gem

Everyday

1. A beautiful, valuable stone, such as a diamond, ruby or emerald, cut and polished for jewellery; a jewel. tree →
2. A person or thing that is especially good or special: «you're a gem». tree →

In the lessons

In science, gems are minerals or crystals found in rocks; they are cut to make them sparkle. In stories, treasure chests are full of gems. In everyday life, «you're a gem» is a kind thank you, and «a hidden gem» is a great place few people know. Phrases: «precious gem», «a real gem», «a hidden gem».

Examples

• The crown was covered in gems. tree →
• Rubies are red gems and emeralds are green. tree →
• Gems are found in rocks deep underground. tree →
• Thanks for helping, you're a gem! tree →
• This little park is a hidden gem. tree →
• The pirate's chest was full of gold and gems. tree →
• The brothers looked long at the gems. tree →

Note

Countable: gems. Short and informal; «gemstone» is the longer word. Shiny stones in toy shops are often glass or plastic, not real gems.