粗あら玉たま

noun

unpolished gem; uncut gem; rough gemstone

Refers to a gemstone in its natural, unworked state, before cutting or polishing. Often used metaphorically for something with raw potential.

• 彼かれの才さい能のうはまだ粗あら玉たまだが、磨みがけば光ひかるだろう。

  His talent is still an unpolished gem, but it will shine if refined.

• この原げん石せきは粗あら玉たまの状じょう態たいで美うつくしい。

  This rough stone is beautiful in its uncut state.