Gemstones
Gemstones are minerals or rocks that are distinguished by a number of specific criteria including rarity, colour, lustre, hardness and translucency.
Three gem mines are under seasonal operation. Quartz crystals are extracted from Cristal du Lac 
near Métabetchouan in the Lac-Saint-Jean region and from Mine Cristal near Bonsecours in the Estrie region. Agate is also mined at mont Lyall south of Sainte-Anne-des-Monts in the Gaspésie region.
In Québec, diamonds remain the main gem for which there has been a great deal of exploration. This work has led to the discovery of geological environments suitable for diamond occurrences and to aknowledge the high potential of the monts Otish region for this precious stone. A diamond mine is currently operating in this area, the Renard mine .
Very little exploration work has been done in Québec for other gemstones. However, collectors have always been looking for gemstones in areas such as the mont Saint-Hilaire, the Outaouais and the Gaspésie region. Prospectors also reported the presence of gemstones in parts of Québec. These include:
- aquamarine, apatite, smoky quartz north of Sept-Îles (Côte-Nord);
- labradorite in the rivière au Tonnerre area (Côte-Nord);
- cordierite and pyrope in the Côte-Nord region;
- tourmaline (James Bay)
- amazonite and macled hypersthene in the Saguenay-Lac-Saint-Jean region;
- agate and perlite (obsidian) in monts Tuzo, Squaw Cap and Lyall in the Gaspésie region;
- gaspéite (Gaspésie);
- scapolite in the Outaouais region ;
- jade nephrite in the Black Lake area (Thetford Mines).
Use
Gemstones have been used since ancient times to make jewellery, necklaces and ornaments.
Categories of gemstones:
There are three categories of gemstones:
- precious stones;
- semi-precious stones;
- ornemental stones.
| Category | Description | Type |
| Precious stones | High value transparent stone |
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| Semi-precious stones | Transparent or translucent stone |
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| Ornemental stones | Opaque or translucent stone |
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In addition to precious, semi-precious and ornemental stones, there is another category of gemstones derived from organic substances. These include amber, copal, coral, ivory, pearl and jet. However, Québec does not have an environment conducive to this category of gem.
Geological work from the MERN
Every year, the MERN’s geologists conduct geological mapping to assess mineral potential in Québec.
In 2012, the MERN conducted geological mapping work southeast of the réservoir Manicouagan in an area west of the réservoir Outardes Quatre. This work highlighted the occurrence of labradorite at a site that could be a potential source of ornamental stone.