Truly the ultimate one-volume book every hobbyist, jeweler, jewelry maker, and rockhound will ever need! 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.
Following the spectacular success of the first four editions of Gemstones of the World, the revised fifth edition exhibits important updates and a beautiful new cover. All the gemstones ever discovered are treated here in their many variations. More than 1,500 full-color photos showcase each precious and semiprecious stone in both its rough natural state and its polished and cut renditions. Each entry offers complete information on a stone’s formation and structure; physical properties and characteristics; and methods of working, cutting, and polishing.
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. Organic gem materials such as coral, ivory, amber, and pearl are also covered, along with more recently discovered stones like charoite. Additionally, this all-inclusive rocks and minerals book includes imitations, synthetics, and combined stones. Charts and tables help you identify unknown gemstones and—when you’re in the market—how to check for authenticity.
Whether you’re a beginner rock enthusiast or geologist, or are looking for a crystal book to support your spirituality practice, Gemstones of the World will bring new beauty and wisdom to your bookshelf.
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13 reviews for Gemstones of the World: Newly Revised Fifth Edition
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Manal –
O livro é excelente para quem quer aprofundar no estudo das pedras preciosas!
João Alves –
Love this book, it is like a mini encyclopedia about gemstones from A to Z, the quality of the pictures are not that great
Seth –
The cover that wraps around the hardback itself was ripped but luckily the hardback underneath has the same glossy design so I threw it away, but the book itself is awesome it’s the shipping, as always with Amazon, that’s the problem. Why put a book in a box three times it’s size with no filler to keep it stationary/ cushion falls? Corners were slightly damaged but overall still looks good, thank God. At the end of the day I recommend this product to those interested. I’m two years into working as a jeweler and have been wanting to educate myself on stones. Price is good and beat a car drive to a bookshop sometimes.
Jenny Chiang –
Very informative book supported by great photographs.
Hans –
This most recent volume has updated my little research library. Each new edition has new stones and this one can stand alone as complete.
It was listed as used in good condition. It is perfect and ThriftBooks.com got it to me quickly.
Cody Manes –
It arrived in great condition and is full of all kinds of information. More information than I expected even. I’m very happy with this book and highly recommend it if you like anything gemstone related.
Cody Manes –
Love this book! This is my second copy I’ve bought! Helps identify all my rocks and crystals. Worth the money.
Hellza Kummin –
Really nice book. If you are interested in gems. Book is very colorful.
Failed frugalness –
Great book, nice portable size, and tons of information.
Satisfied Byer –
الغلاف مكتوب عليه وليس جديد
Cliente Amazon –
Liked the book
Mari-Lynn Mason –
This is the perfect book for adults who enjoy making jewelry, and who care about the gemstones in their more natural condition. there are plenty of fine books out there that teach the how to of basic jewelry making. But this book teaches gemstones as rocks. It doesn’t neglect the pretty pastime of playing with gems, of course. But it is more wholistic than most. I do wish it was a little larger so I could see the text more easily.
—Mrs.M (Old Lady)
Rose –
If you only need or want one book on gemstones I recommend you order this one! Comprehensive, detailed, quality photos that help you recognize and identify. As a photographer myself I can’t say enough good things about the quality of the photography.
Excellent data on almost every gemstone under the sun, including information on things like gemstone cuts and maps of mining areas. It’s like a mini library with info on inclusions and hardness and a quick overview in the back to find a gemstone by color. I love that it contains the same information you would study at the gemology institute – scientic data like light reflexion index …
I especially appreciated the section on new gemstones on the market and the section on enhanced gemstones and just what that means. If you like gemstones, want to build a collection or just have reliable information at your fingertips before you buy jewelry on line, this is a definite guide – highly recommended!