Gemstones of the World

Product Information

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. One interesting note about the photos is that often average specimens, rather than be-all, end-all quality gems are depicted. Schumann largely focuses on minerals but does give proper descriptions of organic and synthetic materials as well. index, Authoritative guide to the world's gemstones with true-to-nature colour photographs of over 1,400 specimens, many shown in both rough and cut states. Charts and tables (including the "double fraction" figures that experts want) help collectors identify unknown gemstones and check for genuineness.

No space is wasted; even the inside covers show different gemstone cuts and a world map of gemstones respectively. 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 rock and mineral identification guides. The volume is well-referenced, in that if another gem or mineral is referenced the author includes a page number for ease of comparison.Still, it is rather fascinating to view the radioactive gems such as Ekanite, and to read about how Sulfur is so sensitive to heat that it bursts when warmed in one’s hand (how did they facet it for the photo without generating heat? By contrast, this book is clearly laid out, informative, includes obscure/little known gemstones, and has good photographs. 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. Yet because of clever use of headers, shaded sections, illustrations, and white space, the text never seems cramped.

Specialists in earth science products since 1998, we serve the public, universities and colleges throughout the Globe as well as offering trade accounts to a wide range of geological services. 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. There are also many charts and diagrams as well as magnificent colour photographs of the stones with data about them on the facing page. 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.For those who already own the previous edition, there might not be much to gain from this latest version. Even the photographs, while very colorful and helpful, remain unchanged and could benefit from some modernization. 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. It includes a handy identifier for collectors and mineralogical stats for gemologists and jewellers that covers over 2,000 species of rocks, minerals and organics.

I would like to know, for example, which stones are too soft or brittle, and which are rare or endangered.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. It's not an A to Z as I thought it to be but it's a must have for any serious collectors that want to know the true business side of crystals. Chock-full of more than 1,500 full-color photos showcasing each precious and semiprecious stone in both its rough and polished state, this bestselling reference book from leading geology expert Walter Schumann will be your go-to identification guide. With amazing info from why the name and where they are found naturally to Mohs' scale and cleavages there is something for everyone, from shiny new beginner to seasoned collector.