Product Description

This is the standard reference for over twenty years, now completely revised and updated with many new illustrations. "Gemstones of the World" is the most comprehensive and informative colour manual of the world's gemstones and includes more than 1,400 examples. Opposite each illustration the text provides an exact description of the particular stone, including details of the properties and chemical composition which makes the stone unique. Information on location of major deposits, alternative names, stones most easily identified incorrectly, and diagrams of their crystal habits are also given. The tables on gemstones' properties and constants provide a basic system of elimination for all unidentified stones. There are also eleven tables listing commercial and mineral names, refractive indices, dispersion, pleochroism, fluorescence, absorption spectra and specific gravities of gems. From the historical to the scientific, this extraordinary reference source is filled with fascinating facts about gemstones, both precious and semi-precious. It's also a worldwide scientific survey, with stunning colour photographs of each gem and its varieties.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #41550 in Books
• Published on: 2001-07-31
• Original language: English
• Binding: Hardcover
• 280 pages

Customer Reviews

If you're going to buy a Gemmology book, buy this one.
I bought this book many years ago and have used it so often it is untrue. The lay out is easy to understand and the stones are grouped logically, with everything from crystal formation to MOH hardness to chemical formula. I would recommend it to anyone with an interest in gemmology, as it contains the detailed information for professionals, as well as plenty of information for the enthusiastic amateur. In short it's a comprehensive reference book that I keep turning to again and again, and though I have other gem books, this one is all you need. If you're going to buy a gem reference book, buy this one.

A very fine book !
This Book is the ultimate book for collectors.
It describes the Origin and Structure of Gemstones.
A fare index of the worlds gemstones. Full page pictures of gemstones almost on every secound page. It shows the color range of each stone, I personally find this book perfect. Other books have one picture the most know color and only write about the other colors. I would recomend this book to anyone and already have ! And not to mention the low price for this fine book !

Gemology is a wonder of nature !

Book about Gemstones
Björn Hemmingsson, Sweden
This is a brilliant book about Gemstones!
Its a must have!
I have two!