how old are gemstones?

[designer]

I have been trying to figure out when gemstones were made. I understand some are made in the molten center of the earth and others are made in the outer mantle of the earth and others are made as part of the sedimentary rock (lapis, etc) later in the cycle. I understand that diamonds are millions of years old. What about the age of the other gemstones - jaspers, quartz, agate, jade, chalcedony, opals, etc.? How old are they? The gemstone websites don't actually discuss when they were made but only the methods. Were they made as the earth was formed. Are they being made even now? How old is the material that is being dug from mines? My reason for this questions is that I would like to say in my literature that the gemstones being designed into jewelry are millions of years old. Would this be accurate?

[Russ Nobbs]

As a blanket statement, it would probably not be accurate.
Diamonds, I think, were formed a long time ago and millions of years might be accurate. Many other gemstones are more recent.

Eons ago, or ages ago  might be more accurate and sound more poetic. "Eons" and "ages" are both defined as indefinite long periods of time. See http://www.yourdictionary.com/eon.

Volcanic (igneous) rocks are formed relatively recently in some parts of the world. Many gemstones are crystals. Crystals continue to grow as long as the right conditions exist.
I almost forgot about pearls and corals. These and other organic "gems" are very recent when compared to diamonds.

Some research with a good geology textbook might help you understand which stones are formed in which eras.

It's hard to write good copy that is both accurate and compelling. Some amount of puffery is expected but too much is off putting. We struggle with it at R&T because we want to be accurate but too many accurate details can be boring or overwhelming.  Thanks for raising this interesting question!

[designer]

Thank you, Russ, for your reply. Eons and ages ago sounds great. Thanks.

[Russ Nobbs]

Glad to be of help, Carole.

I'll try to check back on your website to see how you incorporate these ideas there.

[donec]

Many precious and semi-precious crystals are growing in the earth as we discuss this.

[kaycee]

When I was in school, I read about amber and the way it was made. As far as I remember Amber is made from a plant's resin, which plant I don't remember. And also I remember that it is from the time of Dinosaurs.