<P> A few gemstones are used as gems in the crystal or other form in which they are found . Most however , are cut and polished for usage as jewelry . The picture to the left is of a rural , commercial cutting operation in Thailand . This small factory cuts thousands of carats of sapphire annually . The two main classifications are stones cut as smooth , dome shaped stones called cabochons , and stones which are cut with a faceting machine by polishing small flat windows called facets at regular intervals at exact angles . </P>
<P> A few gemstones are used as gems in the crystal or other form in which they are found . Most however , are cut and polished for usage as jewelry . The picture to the left is of a rural , commercial cutting operation in Thailand . This small factory cuts thousands of carats of sapphire annually . The two main classifications are stones cut as smooth , dome shaped stones called cabochons , and stones which are cut with a faceting machine by polishing small flat windows called facets at regular intervals at exact angles . </P>
parts of the surface of a gem stone
parts of the surface of a gem stone
cabochons facets
cabochons facets