I can't take a stand in the poll. mainly because depending on what I'm looking at, at that time, it could be a Rock, Mineral, Crystal, Gem or Stone. So I could use any one of these terms to describe it.
Here is something that helps me determine what one is over another.
- Rock could be from a cliff or river bank, Not having any particular structure or form. (Hence the term: "river rock")
- Mineral is something that's deamed worthy of placing in a museum for scientific purposes.
- Crystals or just that. Brilliant colors, structure and shaped.
- Stones are like those found near streams or rived beds. (Hence the term "Skipping Stones" because of their shape)
- Gems The faceted minerals, rock, stone or crystal. (The only definition that can use all terms, because all can be faceted or used in some form of jewelry etc)