gems, Soviet Union, Russia, diamond, ruby, topaz, tourmaline, chrysoberyl, alexandrite, beryl, emerald, spinel, labradorite, jade, nephrite, fei cui, jadeite, charoite, jasper, agate, jet, garnet, demantoid, andradite, uvarovite, malachite, turquoise, dioptase, pearl, opal, fire opal

The most important gemstone deposits of the former Soviet Union are described. The deposits range from diamond and ruby to amber and pearl. Some genetic features of gemstones are reported. Gem-quality minerals, including uvarovite, Cr-grossular and Cr-titanite, associated with the Saranovskoye chromite deposit, northern Urals, are described. The geology and mineralogy of the deposit indicates its formation following a well-known cycle of low-grade metamorphic processes and hydrothermal activity.