Firefly Guide to Gems »

Cally Oldershaw is a mineralogist and Liaison Officer for the Geological Society of London as well as an examiner for the Gemmological Association of Great Britain.

A guide to the identification, structure, and uses of precious and semi-precious stones, novelty stones, agates, and crystals.

Pat Moore - KLIATT

A little gem in itself, this guide is rich in information. A lengthy introduction considers gem formation, mining, crystal structure and physical and optical properties of gems in addition to a history of gems and some detailed material on famous gems and the luck—or curse—they supposedly brought to their owners. The detailed pages on each gem considered are not organized alphabetically but are classified by chemical composition from carbon (diamonds) through oxides (including sapphires) to organics (pearls). Each gem has a page of its own with illustrations of color and cuts and a fount of technical information, such as chemical composition and refractive index. Detailed maps of six continents illustrate the locations where each type of gem is found. A valuable reference guide. KLIATT Codes: JSA—Recommended for junior and senior high school students, advanced students, and adults. 2004, Firefly, 224p. illus. maps., Ages 12 to adult.

Foreword

INTRODUCTION

Gem formation

Mining

Crystal structure

Optical properties

Physical properties

Fashioning and cutting

Imitation and synthetic stones

Enhancement

History of gems

Famous diamonds

Gemlore

Birthstones

Color key

Classification

GEMS

Carbon (diamond)

Sulfides

Oxides and hydroxides

Halides

Carbonates

Borate

Sulfates and chromates

Tungstate

Phosphates

Silicates

Igneous rock

Tektites

Synthetics and imitations

Organics

Precious metals

Maps of gem locations

Glossary

Useful address and acknowledgments

Index