Which term refers to the rarest and most durable minerals?

The term "precious stones" refers to gemstones that are both rare and durable, making them highly valuable in jewelry and ornamental use. Precious stones are typically characterized by their beauty, scarcity, and superior qualities that make them distinguished from other minerals. This category includes well-known gemstones like diamonds, sapphires, emeralds, and rubies, which not only possess aesthetic appeal but also have considerable hardness and resistance to wear and tear.

In contrast, gemstones can encompass a broader range of stones, including both precious and semi-precious varieties. Common minerals refer to those that are abundant and readily found in the Earth’s crust, while industrial minerals are utilized primarily for their physical and chemical properties in various industries, rather than for aesthetic reasons. Therefore, the focus on rarity and durability distinctly aligns with the definition of precious stones, marking them as the most highly esteemed in the mineral kingdom.