Stones; precious and semi-precious, dust and powder, of natural or synthetic precious or semi-precious stones, excluding diamonds

HS code 710590 covers a diverse range of precious and semi-precious stones, including their dust and powder forms. This industry plays a crucial role in the global jewelry, gemstone, and decorative arts markets, providing essential raw materials for a wide array of high-value products. The trade in these specialized stones is a significant contributor to the international economy, with applications spanning luxury goods, industrial uses, and scientific research.

The production of precious and semi-precious stones, as described by HS code 710590, primarily involves the extraction, processing, and refinement of natural mineral deposits. This can include mining operations, as well as the synthesis of certain stone varieties in controlled laboratory environments. Key techniques may include cutting, polishing, and grading to enhance the stones' aesthetic qualities and ensure consistent quality standards.

The main inputs required for the production of precious and semi-precious stones, as per HS code 710590, include the raw mineral deposits themselves, as well as specialized mining and processing equipment. Depending on the specific stone type, additional inputs such as energy sources, chemical agents, and advanced technologies may be necessary to extract, refine, and prepare the final products for market.

The primary outputs of the industry covered by HS code 710590 are the various forms of precious and semi-precious stones, including dust and powder. These materials are then consumed by a wide range of downstream industries, such as 711310 Jewelry of gold, silver or platinum, or of metals clad with precious metal, 711620 (Articles of precious or semi-precious stones (natural, synthetic or reconstructed)), and 900190 Lenses, prisms, mirrors and other optical elements, of any material, unmounted, other than such elements of glass not optically worked, among others.