Review
Gemstones of East Africa is illustrated with superb gem photographs by Tino Hamid and Harold and Erica Van Pelt. Fabulous color plates of inclusions by John Koivula and interesting location photographs by Edward Gubelin contribute greatly to this work. The chapters are: The Geology of East Africa (Tanzania, Kenya, and Uganda); Diamond; Corundum; Emerald and Alexandrite; Tanzanite; Garnet; Tourmaline; Green Opal; and Miscellaneous Gems. The book is an interesting compilation of current information available on the gems of this intriguing region. Chapters on the various gems contain detailed geological information, notes on the exploration and mining history of the occurrences and the people involved, and notes on the gemological character of the rough and cut materials. A valuable list of references at the end of each chapter give the reader access to recent studies in gemology, mineralogy, and geology.
On the whole, this beautifully,produced book is important to gemologists, mineralogists, and geologists.... -- Rocks and Minerals, July/August 1993
Peter Keller has done an admirable job addressing the needs of the professional geologist, the gemologist, and the collector concerning gemstones in East Africa, principally Tanzania and Kenya. Some extraordinary gems come from the region but no reliable reference has previously been published. For the professional the geologic settings of deposits are presented in concise, up-to-date summaries with a good coverage of current references, many of which are in European journals. For the gemologists the mineralogy is excellently treated and scientific rather than trade names are used. For the collector and for anyone else interested in gems, the book is beautifully illustrated, with elegant photos of both field settings and gemstones. Gemstones of East Africa can be a coffee table book if you wish, but its contents are reference quality. -- Economic Geology, Vol.88,no.3,1993
