page_title: Cardinal gem
hierarchical_section_title: Cardinal gem
caption_attribution_description: The five cardinal gems of antiquity. Clockwise from top: Sapphire, Ruby, Emerald, Amethyst, Diamond.
context_page_description: Cardinal gems are gemstones which have traditionally been considered precious above all others. The classification of the cardinal gems dates back to antiquity, and was largely determined by ceremonial or religious use and rarity. The term has largely fallen out of use.
  The five traditional cardinal gems are:
  amethyst – Considered rare and precious in the Old World, until large deposits were found in Brazil.
  diamond
  emerald
  ruby
  sapphire
context_section_description: Cardinal gems are gemstones which have traditionally been considered precious above all others. The classification of the cardinal gems dates back to antiquity, and was largely determined by ceremonial or religious use and rarity. The term has largely fallen out of use.
  The five traditional cardinal gems are:
  amethyst (purple) – Considered rare and precious in the Old World, until large deposits were found in Brazil.
  diamond (white)
  emerald (green)
  ruby (red)
  sapphire (blue)
caption: The five cardinal gems. Clockwise from top: sapphire, ruby, emerald, amethyst, diamond.
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