gems, archaeology, archaeogemology, ancient gems, mineralogy, gemology. variscite, turquoise, serpentine, analytical techniques, jade, amber

The study of the compositional nature, geological and geographical origin of the tools and jewellery used by man in prehistoric times has been since the nineteenth century the scientific goal of some researchers in the fields of mineralogy and petrology. This interest in heritage research studies is experiencing a significant growth in recent decades, with a great development of interdisciplinary collaborations, both from the field of archeology as for the conservation, restoration and management of artistic and cultural heritage. The application of physico-chemical techniques, common in studies of mineralogy, petrology and analysis of materials to the resolution of the fascinating questions posed from the archaeometry and the fact that we dispose of a growing number of analytical techniques with higher experimental performance make that this line of research has grown in the interest of researchers. Here several studies worldwide about some of the most widely used mineral substances throughout history and in different geographical areas and the tools and prestige objects manufacture, used by human societies are summarized. Finally, we present several examples of archaeometric studies carried out on minerals and fossil resins, used during the Prehistory of the Iberian Peninsula, western France and North Africa in the elaboration of tools, jewellery and objects of prestige.