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.

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. Even the photographs, while very colorful and helpful, remain unchanged and could benefit from some modernization. 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. Second UK edition hard back binding in publisher's original pale olive paper covered boards, blocked and lettered gilt back. This updated edition contains a new chapter on the treatment of gemstones, expanded information on whats 'New on the Market' and 400 additional stones.Truly the ultimate one-volume book every hobbyist, jeweler, jewelry maker, and rockhound will ever need! Physical and chemical properties of each gem or gem group is identified in a header on the top of the left page, followed by notes of interest and specific varieties.

To calculate the overall star rating and percentage breakdown by star, we don’t use a simple average. 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. Charts and tables (including the 'double fraction' figures that experts want) help collectors identify unknown gemstones and check for genuineness. And considering its not a HUGE reference book I think somebody studying in this field could definitely carry this around with them!

The book also fully covers the optical features of gems - light and colour, luminescence, refraction and inclusions - and key information about the densities and chemical elements of each stone, with fascinating details on different cuts, polishing, gems, hardness, cleavage, classification, trade names, rarity and more. Gemstones of the World is truly the single volume that every hobbyist, jeweler, jewelry maker, and rockhound needs: it’s the cornerstone of the field.