What kind of gemstones are commonly found in secondary deposits?

Colored stones are commonly found in secondary deposits because they often originate from primary deposits, where they are formed within the earth, and subsequently undergo weathering and erosion. This process transports them to different locations, where they accumulate in secondary deposits, often in riverbeds, beaches, or coastal areas. The natural movement caused by water or other geological processes allows these gemstones to become more accessible for collection and mining.

In contrast, uncut diamonds primarily originate from specific geological conditions deep within the earth and are less frequently sourced from secondary deposits. Natural pearls are formed in living mollusks and are typically collected in their natural habitat, rather than from secondary deposits. Precious metals also tend to be found in primary deposits, where they are naturally concentrated, rather than the surface environments associated with secondary deposits. The characteristics of colored stones make them particularly suited to being found in these types of locations.