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.
His talent is still an unpolished gem, but it will shine if refined.
This rough stone is beautiful in its uncut state.
Standard kanji spelling for an unpolished gem.
Variant spelling; 荒 suggests roughness or wildness.
Rare spelling; 新 means 'new', which may imply a freshly mined gem.
Rare single-kanji spelling; 璞 specifically means an uncut gem.
Compound of 粗 (ara, 'rough, crude') and 玉 (tama, 'ball, gem'). The exact historical derivation is uncertain, but the word transparently means 'rough gem'.