宝石

1. Origins, structure, and basic meaning

• Structure: 宝石 is read as ほうせき and is a noun for a gemstone or jewel valued for beauty and rarity and used in ornamentation.
• Basic usage: Setting a stone appears in 指輪に宝石をはめる, while discovery appears in 宝石が見つかる.

2. Common pitfalls and similar expressions

• Material and jewelry
  • It names the gem itself, not the entire ring, necklace, or other ornament in which it may be set.
• Difference from 宝
  • 宝 broadly means a treasure or something precious; 宝石 specifically refers to a gemstone used for adornment.