1) how are gems given sentient life, 2) can it be applied to non-gem minerals, and 3) if so where are all my magical sentient sea shells and bones and ice cubes and shards of broken ceramic pots

i dont know the answers to 1 or 2 but heres the answer to number 3

a sea shell “gem” based on ichthyocentaurs (HALF MAN HALF HORSE HALF FISH with lobster claw head decorations)