Gemstones of the World

Product Information

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. By using the Web site, you confirm that you have read, understood, and agreed to be bound by the Terms and Conditions. And then there are the magnificent photographs of the stones themselves in brilliant full-color, with full data on the facing page.

More than 1,500 full-color photos showcase each precious and semiprecious stone in its rough, natural, polished, and cut renditions. First published in English in 1976, Walter Schumann’s Gemstones of the World has served as a handy reference guide to gemologists of any level. Each stone has its name clearly written beneath its picture as well as what location it is found in the world. Lesser-known and rare gems are not neglected, however, and he has compiled a fairly exhaustive list of gemstones, complete with color, hardness, density, refractive index, crystal system, and chemical composition. It has information on finding, mining, cutting and more, there are also 1,900 photographs to help identify crystals for beginners like me.One interesting note about the photos is that often average specimens, rather than be-all, end-all quality gems are depicted. Additionally, this all-inclusive rocks and minerals book includes imitations, synthetics, and combined stones. And this updated edition contains a host of new findings on “Gemstones for Collectors,” additional gems in the “Table of Constants,” and the “double fraction” figures that experts have long wanted—a very special new feature.

This updated edition of Gemstones of the World contains a new chapter on the treatment of gemstones, expanded information on what's 'New on the Market' and 400 additional stones. True-color photographs picturing gemstones, many in rough and polished states, with full details of where they are found, how they are mined and cut, how they are imitated, how they are identified and classified, what their characteristics and physical properties are.

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. To think that we can find crystals within the earth with such rich colours leaves me speechless, not to mention the master cutters who can turn a piece of rough crystal into a sparkling jewel full of brilliance and lustre. mini polished stones with their corresponding names are showcased in a neat and presentable little case. Gemstones of the World is a conveniently sized and organized reference book for both the casual and serious gemologist. And considering its not a HUGE reference book I think somebody studying in this field could definitely carry this around with them!

Second UK edition hard back binding in publisher's original pale olive paper covered boards, blocked and lettered gilt back. I have a passion for collecting beautiful gemstones and gaze in wonder at the natural beauty of the mineral world. For someone completely new to the science, the jargon may be difficult, although Schumann attempts to bypass this issue by providing a brief list at the beginning of the book of terminology that may be unfamiliar.Charts and tables (including the 'double fraction' figures that experts want) help collectors identify unknown gemstones and check for genuineness. Each entry offers complete information on a stone's formation and structure; physical properties and characteristics; and methods of working, cutting, and polishing. Whether the reader wants to look at the chemistry behind the stones, find out where various gemstones come from, learn about diamonds, rubies, emeralds, jaspers, or other specific stones, or simply look at pretty photographs, this is the book to use.

There are even full treatments of lesser-known gems, from andalusite to vesuvian, and a special section is devoted to rocks as precious stones, including alabaster, onyx, obsidian, and fossils. It covers everything from the romance and history of more than 1,400 gemstones to their geographical locations, scientific, physical, and color properties, and they way they are formed, structured, and mined. Next is a section of “new on the market” gemstones such as sugilite, unakite, and petrified wood; an odd assortment of new and not-so-new offerings.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 guides.