Synopses & Reviews
A fascinating encyclopedic reference on rocks and gems, including their identification, composition, and their use. The many feature boxes cover topics such as the Malachite room in the Winter Palace and the collection of the Hope Diamond and the superstitions surrounding it.
Synopsis
A great guidebook featuring full-color photos of hundreds of rocks and gems for collectors and enthusiasts, created in collaboration with the Smithsonian Institution and written by a geologist with decades of experience. Author Ronald Bonewitz started his career as a geologist specializing in crystal chemistry, worked as a mining scout in the field, and now serves as a gem, mineral, fossil, and antiquities expert at an auction houses.
Rock and Gem combines his knowledge with hundreds of stunning photos from the Smithsonian's extensive collections, making professional-level knowledge accessible to readers of all experience levels.
In addition to resources on each of several hundred individual rock and gem types, the book contains a compelling history of how rocks are formed, starting with the Big Bang up to the present day. It also includes a guide to starting your own collection as well as several fascinating feature boxes exploring topics like the Malachite Room in the Winter Palace and the superstitions surrounding the world-famous (or infamous) Hope Diamond.
Whether you're a collector, a student, or just someone interested in discovering the beauty and intrigue of gems and other fascinating rocks, Rock and Gem covers its fascinating subject matter from every angle.
Synopsis
Explore the treasures of the Earth - sparkling crystals, vibrant gemstones, and age-old fossils - with this illustrated guide that's sure to captivate every rockhound and budding gemologist. From primeval origins to their astonishing modern-day uses and appeal, this is the ultimate portrait of Earth's geological riches - rocks, minerals, crystals, and gems. Also included is a focussed look at other precious materials often prized for their beauty, such as amber, coral, ivory, and fossils.
Learn how to identify more than 450 rock and mineral specimens through stunning photographs and detailed characteristics. Discover more about rocks and minerals through folklore and historical artifacts, and find out the fascinating stories behind the world's natural treasures, including the Hope diamond and the Great Mogul emerald. Practical advice on cutting, polishing, and displaying your finds further equips you with all the knowledge needed to delve into the world of rock and mineral collecting.
Rock and Gem were produced in association with the Smithsonian Institution in Washington DC, the world's largest museum complex, ensuring the guide's accuracy.
Synopsis
Starting with the Big Bang creation of the universe, Bonewitz (a geologist specializing in crystal chemistry with secondary training in archaeology per his New Age spiritually-oriented Web site) introduces types of rocks, minerals, gemstones, and fossils to novice collectors. The well-illustrated guide, published in conjunction with the Smithsonian Institution, includes a glossary but no further reading or resources.