Gemstones of the World

Product Information

It has information on finding, mining, cutting and more, there are also 1,900 photographs to help identify crystals for beginners like me. This is the best handbook on gemstones, featuring an unusually large number of species, including many rare members. And this updated edition contains a new chapter on the treatment of gemstones, expanded information on what's "New on the Market," and 400 additional stones. A fantastic, full colour Gemstones of the World poster, listing 182 Gemstones for easy identification purposes. At first glance, it would appear that little has changed since the fourth edition in 2009, and indeed most of the easy reference and good basic information is the same.

The comprehensive listing of gem materials that includes many of the most important identifying features makes it useful for identifying both common and unusual gemstones. Starting a gemstone collection couldn't be any easier with this 'Gemstones of the World' display box. Yet because of clever use of headers, shaded sections, illustrations, and white space, the text never seems cramped. This is a complete survy of the gemstones of the world - with 1,500 stones illustrated in full colour and described. The book concludes with charts of traditional astrological stones, the more recent birthstone-by-month designations, and some remarks on medicinal uses of stones (clearly not recommended by the author, but added for the curious).And considering its not a HUGE reference book I think somebody studying in this field could definitely carry this around with them!

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.By using the Web site, you confirm that you have read, understood, and agreed to be bound by the Terms and Conditions.

Charts and tables help you identify unknown gemstones and--when you're in the market--how to check for authenticity. Schumann largely focuses on minerals but does give proper descriptions of organic and synthetic materials as well.Field reports, videos, photography, and firsthand accounts from mines and industry hot spots around the world.

To calculate the overall star rating and percentage breakdown by star, we don’t use a simple average. It’s unusual to find a gemstone reference that can be used by scientists, jewelers, collectors, and laypeople, but such is this book, complete with color photos of over 2500 gemstones, both finished and in natural state. More than 1,500 full-colour photos showcase each precious and semiprecious stone in its rough, natural, polished and cut renditions. For those who already own the previous edition, there might not be much to gain from this latest version. 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.These first few sections serve as an excellent introduction to, or refresher on, many of the basic concepts that help make identification easier.