Gemstone Expansion

Have you ever reached the mid-game in a modpack and found yourself hoarding diamonds, torn between using them for a pickaxe or saving them for an enchantment table or a critical modded machine?

This mod solves that problem.

Inspired by classic modpacks, this mod introduces three new gemstones: Sapphire, Ruby, and Peridot. Each gem is as rare as a diamond, but instead of replacing vanilla gear, they act as a parallel, high-tier resource.

I want to credit my good friend “Tehwakko” for helping with the Sapphire, Ruby, and Peridot textures!

Features:
All three gemstones can be used to craft tools and armor that are identical to their diamond counterparts in every way—mining speed, enchantability, attack damage, and armor stats—with two trade-offs: 20% less durability and the inability to use them to upgrade to netherite. 

All three gems (Sapphire, Ruby, and Peridot) are equally powerful, so you can choose your favorite color without worrying about which is “better.”

Save your diamonds for the important stuff—like machines and late-game crafting—and use these new gems as a powerful, everyday alternative. Your diamond hoard will thank you.

Why 20% Less Durability?:
The main idea of this mod is NOT to replace the diamond tier level. Diamonds are and still will be the better choice, which gives you the pathway to Netherite gear. Also, the 20% durability trade-off was not an arbitrary choice. Based on the Mohs’ Hardness Scale, diamonds are the hardest mineral, which ranks on a perfect 10/10. Both Sapphire and Ruby rank a 9/10, and Peridot ranks at most 7/10. I compromised and met in the middle for all three and ranked them at 8/10, a 20% difference from diamond. 

Planned Features To Be Added Later:
A couple more gemstone options (maybe).
Armor trim textures for all the new armor.
New and unique textures for the gemstone blocks and ores. (prioritized).