“…1 'Gem' is a general term for any precious or semi-precious stone, especially when cut or polished for ornamental purposes (Dictionary of Geological Terms, 1976). 2 The datasets being analysed come from published survey and excavation reports at Wadi el-Hudi (Fakhry, 1952;Sadek, 1980;Shaw and Jameson, 1993) and Serabit el-Khadim (Beit Arieh, 1980;Beit Arieh et al, 1978;Bonnet and Valbelle, 1997;Chartier-Raymond et al, 1994;Gardiner et al, 1955;Petrie and Currelly, 1906;Rothenberg, 1979;Starr and Butin, 1936;Valbelle and Bonnet, 1996). Data from Stela Ridge, previously investigated and published by Engelbach (1933Engelbach ( , 1938, is supplemented by fresh findings during the Gebel el-Asr survey and excavation season in 2004.…”