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 vital role in the global jewelry, gemstone, and decorative arts markets, providing essential raw materials for a wide array of products. The trade and processing of these stones is a significant component of the broader mining and mineral extraction sector, contributing to economic activity worldwide.

The production of precious and semi-precious stones, as described under HS code 710590, typically involves a combination of mining, sorting, and processing techniques. Natural stones are extracted from geological deposits through various mining methods, while synthetic stones are produced in controlled laboratory environments. Once extracted or synthesized, the stones undergo sorting, cutting, polishing, and grading processes to meet the specific quality and size requirements of various end-use applications.

The primary inputs for the industry covered by HS code 710590 include the raw materials, such as natural and synthetic precious and semi-precious stones, as well as the specialized equipment and machinery used for mining, processing, and refining these materials. Additionally, the industry relies on skilled labor, energy sources, and transportation infrastructure to support the extraction, processing, and distribution of these valuable commodities.

The main outputs of the industry described 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 and parts of precious metal or of metal clad with precious metal, 701890 Glass beads, imitation pearls, imitation precious or semi-precious stones and similar glass smallwares, and 680292 Monumental or building stone, worked, and articles thereof, other than goods of heading 6801; mosaic cubes and the like, of natural stone, whether or not on a backing; artificially colored granules, chippings and powder, of natural stone, among others.