Which unit is primarily used in the gem industry for measuring weight?

In the gem industry, the primary unit used for measuring weight is the metric carat. A metric carat is defined as 200 milligrams and is the standard measurement for gemstones. This unit is crucial because it standardizes the weight of gemstones across different markets and countries, ensuring uniformity in buying, selling, and valuing gems.

Using metric carats allows gemologists, jewelers, and consumers to easily compare the weights of different stones accurately. It also helps in determining the price of stones since many pricing structures are based on weight measured in carats. The adoption of the metric carat over other units, such as kilograms or pounds, reflects a global consensus within the gemstone industry, which helps maintain consistency and clarity in transactions involving gemstones.

While milligrams are used in a more granular measurement, especially in high-precision contexts, they are not the standard for measuring gemstones like the metric carat is.