Gemstones of the World

Product Information

More than 1500 full-colour photos showcase each precious and semi-precious stone in its rough, natural, polished and cut renditions. Moh’s scale of hardness, basic mineral chemistry, specific gravity, cleavage and fracture, refraction and absorption, pleochroism, and fluorescence are described in sections followed by charts of these properties for selected gemstones. Still, it is rather fascinating to view the radioactive gems such as Ekanite, and to read about how Sulfur is so sensitive to heat that it bursts when warmed in one’s hand (how did they facet it for the photo without generating heat? Specialists in earth science products since 1998, we serve the public, universities and colleges throughout the Globe as well as offering trade accounts to a wide range of geological services.

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. Charts and tables (including the "double fraction" figures that experts want) help collectors identify unknown gemstones and check for genuineness. The comprehensive listing of gem materials that includes many of the most important identifying features makes it useful for identifying both common and unusual gemstones. Field reports, videos, photography, and firsthand accounts from mines and industry hot spots around the world.It covers everything from the romance and history of more than 1,800 gemstones to their geographic locations; scientific, physical and colour properties; and the way they are formed, structured and mined. More than 1,500 full-color photos showcase each precious and semiprecious stone in both its rough natural state and its polished and cut renditions. The author does approach this subject as a scientist, which is to say with great skepticism, and makes clear numerous times that there is no real proof of gemstones’ effectiveness in easing ailments beyond a well-intentioned placebo effect. 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.

Organic gem materials such as coral, ivory, amber, and pearl are also covered, along with more recently discovered stones like charoite. This is a complete survy of the gemstones of the world - with 1,500 stones illustrated in full colour and described. Some of the terminology takes a bit of getting used to but a fascinating read about gemstone production, history, type, where found and loads more.

These first few sections serve as an excellent introduction to, or refresher on, many of the basic concepts that help make identification easier. His many field guides provide expert advice and education on how to identify gemstones, rocks, minerals. He vaguely describes the treatment as creating a thin metal layer on the stone, similar to a foil backing. I had the original Gemstones and can thoroughly recommend this reprint with new photos and information on the latest discoveries. By contrast, this book is clearly laid out, informative, includes obscure/little known gemstones, and has good photographs.