Gemstones of Afghanistan [Hardcover]

Gary W. Bowersox (Author), Bonita E. Chamberlin PhD (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: October 1, 1995

GEMSTONES OF AFGHANISTAN is the first comprehensive, fully-documented book on the geology, history, and lore of the gems and minerals of this war-ravaged crossroads between the Near East and the Far East. GEMSTONES OF AFGHANISTAN features stunning color photographs, original maps, and geographic coordinates of significant mines. The authors have compiled a wide-ranging and thorough set of references that, like the book, will prove invaluable to jewelers, gem buyers, geologists, historians, and those who seek to make a careful assessment of the riches Afghanistan has to offer. GEMSTONES OF AFGHANISTAN is the first complete reference on gemstones of Afghanistan - the results of 23 years of researching over 6,500 years of history. o Hardcover, glossy 81/2" x 11", 244-page collection edition o 110 photographs, maps and figures, including 52 in color o History of geology and gem mining in Afghanistan, describing mining methods and production o Detailed topographical and geological maps pinpoint gem and mineral deposits o Over 1,400 gem and mineral locations by coordinates o 2,000 years of geological, geographical and gemological exploration o Over 500 references and suggested readings o Color photographs of new cutting styles, carved gems and new jewelry designs

Editorial Reviews

Review

Mineral News, March, 1996 This is the first comprehensive book on the geology, history, and lore of the gemstones and gem deposits of Afghanistan. This book is well documented and the reference list of each chapter is extensive. Although, most of these references are on the history and geography of Afghanistan, there are many references on the geology and gemstones. The authors have been associated with Afghanistan gemstones and mining for many years. They have worked with three Afghan governments, the Soviets, and the Afghan miners developing the gem deposits. This book takes the reader through the history of Afghanistan, to the recent war with the Soviets into the present times. The Geology is explained with information on the region and descriptions of each deposit. The discovery of each deposit is discussed as well as the present situation and mining. ....Naturally this book's emphasis is on gem materials, but there is much here for the mineral collector too. Obviously, most gem deposits also produce specimens suitable for any mineral collection and many of the deposits described have produced specimens that make it to the mineral market and not the gem cutting tables around the world. Although the geology descriptions are sometimes brief, Gemstones of Afghanistan is a good source of information on the mines, mining methods, geology, and minerals/gem materials Afghanistan produces. --Mineral News

Earth, August, 1996 This unusual book on the gems of Afghanistan is part of a series by Geoscience Press on the world's gemstone-producing region....Authors Bowersox and Chamberlin provide ample information about the science and technology behind producing gems in Afghanistan. But they also lace the book with lore from ancient writers and punctuate the text with many personal observations based on two decades of traveling to the area and working with Afghan gemstones. ...Interested travelers to the region will appreciate the location of the hundreds of mines pinpointed with Global Position System satellite readings. More casual rockhounds will admire this comprehensive book on the geology, history, and lore of the gems in Afghanistan. --Earth

Choice, May, 1996 In their handsome and richly illustrated volume directed to gemologists and serious gem collectors, Bowersox and Chamberlin explore the beauty and history of Afghanistan's gemstones, and describe mines, deposits, and occurrences. The authors, professional gem hunters with expensive experience in Afghanistan, write very well in a lively style that blends factual objectivity with appropriate personal narrative. The text opens with geographic and geological perspective and a related historical sketch of Afghanistan. The heart of the book deals with lapis lazuli, the most widely prized of Afghan gems, with Afghan varieties of ruby, sapphire, tourmaline, and aquamarine, and with the deposits of emerald and kunzite. Each gemstone is discussed with its legends and lore, locations and geology, methods of mining and productions, and a concise description of physical properties. A closing chapter provides a short summary of Afghanistan's mineral deposits and economic development potential. Appendixes furnish the geographic coordinates of Afghan mineral occurrences, the properties of gemstones, and a glossary of gemological terms. Chapter-end references and suggested readings. A topically and geographically specialized book recommended for libraries maintaining a reference section on gemstones and gem collecting. --Choice

About the Author

Gary W. Bowersox, an international gem hunter, has worked with three Afghan governments, the Soviets, and the mujahideen through the back door of Pakistan to export gem and mineral materials. Through his affiliation with the Gemological Institute of America and other organizations, Gary has brought recognition since 1972 to the quality of the gemstones mined in the Hindu Kush, most of which were unknown until the Soviets started bombing and exposing the crystals.

Bonita E. Chamberlin received her Ph.D.in paleontology from the Universidad de los Andes in Bogota, Columbia. She has worked internationally, first in her field, and later expanding into economic development. She both organized the seminars and teaches Afghans mining techniques. Throughout the year, she also consults in international economic development for multinational corporations, and teaches seminars on cross-cultural communication.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 220 pages
• Publisher: Geoscience Press (October 1, 1995)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0945005199
• ISBN-13: 978-0945005193
• Product Dimensions: 10.6 x 8.6 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.8 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #156,438 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #12 in Books > Professional & Technical > Professional Science > Chemistry > Geochemistry
  • #25 in Books > Professional & Technical > Professional Science > Earth Sciences > Mineralogy

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Blood Red Rubies from Blood Flowing Afghanistan, February 8, 2008

By 

R. Lee Hadden (Sterling, VA United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Gemstones of Afghanistan (Hardcover)

An excellent introduction to the precious gem trade (both legal and illegal) in Afghanistan, from historical times to the present. Stunning photographs or gems in both their original stone matrix and faceted, and many photographs of the gem mining regions of the country. An excellent introduction to the jewel resources of this war-torn country, and the geology behind the gemstones.
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0 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Gemstones of Afghanistan, March 3, 2011

By 

Alicja B. Lmbard (ca) - See all my reviews
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Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Gemstones of Afghanistan (Hardcover)

The book is in good shape not excellent. The cover is scratched, has a library label. Inside was better shape than outside.