Gemstones of the World

Product Information

New to this recent edition is a chapter discussing the symbolic and supposed medicinal significance of different gem materials. Gemstones of the World is a conveniently sized and organized reference book for both the casual and serious gemologist. He vaguely describes the treatment as creating a thin metal layer on the stone, similar to a foil backing. In addition to the perennially successful Gemstones of the World , first published in 1976, he has authored Collins Guide to Rocks, Minerals, and Gemstones and Handbook of Rocks, Minerals, and Gemstones , among other authoritative rock and mineral identification guides.

And then there are the magnificent photographs of the stones themselves in brilliant full-color, with full data on the facing page. Organic gem materials such as coral, ivory, amber, and pearl are also covered, along with more recently discovered stones like charoite. Each stone has its name clearly written beneath its picture as well as what location it is found in the world.All the gemstones are treated in their many variations: more than 1,500 full-color photos showcase each precious and semiprecious stone in both its rough, natural, and its polished and cut renditions. And this updated edition contains a new chapter on the treatment of gemstones, expanded information on what's "New on the Market," and 400 additional stones.

You'll find full treatments of lesser-known gems and minerals-from andalusite to vesuvianite-and a special section devoted to rocks as precious stones, including alabaster, onyx, obsidian, and fossils. There are also many charts and diagrams as well as magnificent colour photographs of the stones with data about them on the facing page.

A fantastic, full colour Gemstones of the World poster, listing 182 Gemstones for easy identification purposes. i would say that i have scanned this book as an entirety and i’m considering that as a read cuz in no way am i gonna read every single word of how gems are cut and other stuff like i’m just gonna scan the things i wanna read.

The text begins with a brief mineralogical and gemological study, focusing on such topics as basic crystallography and crystal systems, hardness, refractive index, and other pertinent features of gem materials. It's not an A to Z as I thought it to be but it's a must have for any serious collectors that want to know the true business side of crystals. Whether you're a beginner rock enthusiast or geologist, or are looking for a crystal book to support your spirituality practice, Gemstones of the World will bring new beauty and wisdom to your bookshelf. There are even full treatments of lesser-known gems, from andalusite to vesuvian, and a special section is devoted to rocks as precious stones, including alabaster, onyx, obsidian, and fossils.In addition to the perennially successful Gemstones of the World, first published in 1976, he has authored Collins Guide to Rocks, Minerals, and Gemstones and Handbook of Rocks, Minerals, and Gemstones, among other authoritative guides. These first few sections serve as an excellent introduction to, or refresher on, many of the basic concepts that help make identification easier. One interesting note about the photos is that often average specimens, rather than be-all, end-all quality gems are depicted. Starting a gemstone collection couldn't be any easier with this 'Gemstones of the World' display box. Each entry offers complete information on the gemstone’s formation, structure, physical properties, and characteristics, along with the best methods of working, cutting, and polishing it.