ELI5: Explain Like I'm 5

Organic gemstone

Organic gemstones are gems that come from living things, like plants or animals. They are different from other types of gems that come from minerals, like diamonds or rubies.

For example, pearls are organic gemstones that come from oysters. The oyster makes the pearl by coating a piece of sand or another irritant in layers of a shiny substance called nacre. Over time, the nacre builds up and forms a beautiful pearl.

Another example of an organic gemstone is amber, which comes from tree resin. When a tree gets damaged, it produces resin to help heal itself. Over a very long time, the resin can harden and turn into amber.

Because organic gemstones come from living things, they can be very delicate and require special care. It's important to protect them from harsh chemicals, direct sunlight, and extreme temperatures.