Synopses & Reviews
With a million copies in print, here comes an even larger, more up-to-date version of the most complete reference book ever published on the subject. All the gemstones ever discovered are treated in their many variations. More than 1,500 full-color photos showcase each precious and semiprecious stone in all its singular glory--in both its rough natural state and its polished and cut renditions. Each entry offers complete information on a gemstone's formation and structure, physical properties and characteristics, methods of working, cutting, and polishing. Learn about the best known, including amethyst and diamond. Find full treatments of lesser-known gems, from andalusite to vesuvian. A special section is devoted to rocks as precious stones, including alabaster, onyx, obsidian, and fossils. Organic gem materials are also covered, such as coral, ivory, amber, and pearl, plus new on the market stones like charcoite. Everything is covered, including imitations, synthetics, and combined stones. Charts and tables help you identify unknown gemstones and, when you're in the market, how to check for genuineness. This is truly the ultimate one-volume book every hobbyist, jeweler, jewelry maker and rockhound will ever need!
"Invaluable to rockhounds of all ages."--Science Teacher.
"One of the 100 outstanding Sci-Tech books of the year."--Library Journal.
"Anyone interested in minerals and gems will want a copy of this beautifully-illustrated book."--Science Books & Films.
Synopsis
Over 1,400 specimens. Discover what gems are, how they are classified and named, their physical properties, and how they are cut and polished.
Synopsis
More than 1,400 specimens. Discover what gems are, how they are classified and named, their physical properties, and how they are cut and polished. “Invaluable to rockhounds of all ages.”—
Science Teacher. “One of the 100 outstanding Sci-Tech books of the year.”—
Library Journal. “Anyone interested in minerals and gems will want a copy of this beautifully-illustrated book.”—
Science Books & Films. “The excellent index takes you right to any stone.”—
Bead & Button.Synopsis
Gemstones of the World is the single, cornerstone volume that every hobbyist, jeweler, jewelry maker, and rockhound needs. And this updated edition contains a new chapter on the treatment of gemstones, expanded information on whats New on the Market,” and 400 additional stones.
More than 1,500 full-color photos showcase each precious and semiprecious stone in its rough, natural, polished, and cut renditions. Each entry offers complete information on the gemstones formation, structure, physical properties, and characteristics, along with the best methods of working, cutting, and polishing it. There are even full treatments of lesser-known gems; a special section on rocks as precious stones; and organic gem materials. Charts and tables (including the double fraction” figures that experts want) help collectors identify unknown gemstones and check for genuineness.
Description
Includes bibliographical references (p. 266) and index.