Gems and Crystals: From the American Museum of Natural History (Rocks, Minerals and Gemstones) [Hardcover]

Anna S. Sofianides (Author), George E. Harlow (Author)

Editorial Reviews

From Library Journal

"Exquisite and informative, a rare find" best describes this dazzling visual compendium. Following a brief history of these collections and how they were catapulted from modest beginnings into world-famous status by such notable benefactors as Tiffany, Jesup, Morgan, and Guggenheim, the authors outline the archaeological and cultural history of gems. They also offer additional information on the basic attributes, properties, and evaluation of gems in general and devote the rest of the book to exploring the history, lore, distinctive properties, and occurrence of approximately 140 varieties of gems and minerals from diamonds and topaz to lapis lazuli and pearls. Chapters are arranged according to primary mineral groups or organic substances. Enthusiastically recommended.
- Stephen Allan Patrick, East Tennessee State Univ. Lib., Johnson City
Copyright 1991 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Review

...a must...a beautifully illustrated and informed guide. -- The State, Columbia, SC

A lush, full-color look at human fascination with the beauty and allure of gems and crystals. -- Indianapolis News

Combining the practical with the fantastic...[GEMS & CRYSTALS] serves as both reference book and sheer pleasure. -- San Diego Magazine

It is a truly beautiful book that anyone would be pleased to own. -- Rocks & Minerals Magazine

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Hardcover: 208 pages
• Publisher: Simon & Schuster (January 15, 1991)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0671687042
• ISBN-13: 978-0671687045
• Product Dimensions: 12.3 x 9.4 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 3 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #511,720 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

20 of 22 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars An Unbeatable Reference Source for Gems and Minerals!, April 17, 2001

By 

Barbara A. Voltaire (San Francisco, CA USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Gems and Crystals: From the American Museum of Natural History (Rocks, Minerals and Gemstones) (Hardcover)

This oversized "coffee table" style book, contains some of the most impressive gem and mineral photography in print. The photos were taken by Erica and Harold Van Pelt who are the most revered gemological photographers in the world. In addition, the text is well organized and flawlessly researched. Gems and Crystals really captures the magic responsible for mankind's obsession with gem minerals. I highly recommend this book to anyone with a passion for gems.

3 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Good book for school projects, November 20, 2005

By 

Franki McFard "Franki Mcf" (Antarctica) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Gems and Crystals: From the American Museum of Natural History (Rocks, Minerals and Gemstones) (Hardcover)

I desperatly needed to find info on Tourmaline and this book gave me all the info i needed to write my paper

5.0 out of 5 stars Beautiful and Informative, March 28, 2011

By 

JAC "AReader" (USA) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Gems and Crystals: From the American Museum of Natural History (Rocks, Minerals and Gemstones) (Hardcover)

I was looking for a concise historical perspective related to gemstones and found exactly what I wanted in "Gems and Crystals". The historic and cultural descriptions were comprehensive and easy to read. The photographs were beautiful and perfect visuals for the topics discussed. It was also interesting to read the sections on legends and lore which seem to tie in with the historical notes. The presentation was very organized and I found it easy to find the topics and information I was interested in.