Gemstones of the World, Revised Edition [Hardcover]

Walter Schumann (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: October 1, 2000 | Series: Rocks, Minerals and Gemstones

With a million copies in print, here comes an even larger, more up-to-date version of the most complete reference book ever published on the subject. All the gemstones ever discovered are treated in their many variations. More than 1,500 full-color photos showcase each precious and semiprecious stone in all its singular glory--in both its rough natural state and its polished and cut renditions. Each entry offers complete information on a gemstone's formation and structure, physical properties and characteristics, methods of working, cutting, and polishing. Learn about the best known, including amethyst and diamond. Find full treatments of lesser-known gems, from andalusite to vesuvian. A special section is devoted to rocks as precious stones, including alabaster, onyx, obsidian, and fossils. Organic gem materials are also covered, such as coral, ivory, amber, and pearl, plus new on the market stones like charcoite. Everything is covered, including imitations, synthetics, and combined stones. Charts and tables help you identify unknown gemstones and, when you're in the market, how to check for genuineness. This is truly the ultimate one-volume book every hobbyist, jeweler, jewelry maker and rockhound will ever need!

"Invaluable to rockhounds of all ages."--Science Teacher.

"One of the 100 outstanding Sci-Tech books of the year."--Library Journal.

"Anyone interested in minerals and gems will want a copy of this beautifully-illustrated book."--Science Books & Films.

Editorial Reviews

Language Notes

Text: English (translation)
Original Language: German

Product Details

• Hardcover: 272 pages
• Publisher: Sterling; Rev Sub edition (October 1, 2000)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0806994614
• ISBN-13: 978-0806994611
• Product Dimensions: 7.8 x 5.2 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (27 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #210,644 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #37 in Books > Professional & Technical > Professional Science > Earth Sciences > Mineralogy
  • #58 in Books > Professional & Technical > Professional Science > Earth Sciences > Rocks & Minerals

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

56 of 56 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A "must have" reference for gemstone lovers, and rockhounds., October 18, 1999

By 

Lorilee S Cedar (United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Gemstones of the World, Revised Edition (Hardcover)

This book should be in everyone's library. There is something here for everyone--from kids who collect rocks (because that's what kids do), to the serious gemstone collector. In fact, any nature lover would thoroughly enjoy this book for its stunning color photos. From Diamonds to Pearls and everything in between, Schumann's revised and updated reference provides a wealth of information for every level of interest.

53 of 53 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The best gemstone reference book I've seen., March 30, 2001

By 

Aquaria.Info "Aquaria.Info - Aquarium Fish On... (Aquaria.Info) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Gemstones of the World, Revised Edition (Hardcover)

This is probably the best gemstone reference book that I've seen. If you are someone interested in gems, looking to buy gems online, or even a jeweler you'll find this book indispensable.

The book teaches you the basic properties of gemstones, hardness, cleavage/fracture, color, refraction, dispersion, etc.

It gives you an overview of cutting and polishing gemstones with a chart of the different types of cuts available.

But the best part of the book is the description of gemstones. This book covers virtually all known gemstones! Not just the big 4(diamond, emerald, ruby, sapphire) but over 100 different gems, many that you've probably never even heard of!

The gems are broken down into groups, the beryl group, corundum group, etc. Each group then gives the different gems from that group and gives the physical characteristics of that gem. It lists the different sources and colors of each gem and tells you which gems you might confuse the stone with.

And finally each gemstone comes with a full page picture of different cuts, colors and rough of that gem.

All in all this is a MUST HAVE BOOK for anyone interested in gems.

46 of 46 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Jewelers Best Friend and Yours Too!, March 21, 1999

By 

[e-mail] (Manassas, VA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Gemstones of the World, Revised Edition (Hardcover)

Even as a jeweler I can't remember everything, so when I go to gem shows to buy my stones this book is my pocket bible which keeps me from getting cheated! Even if you aren't a jewelry professional, if you are buying stones online, at gem shows, or from your local jeweler, you can learn more about the stones you want, and learn more about the stones that are available (don't you get tired of always seeing ruby-sapphire-emerald?). I advise all my clients who are serious stone shoppers to buy this book, to become familiar with stones and minerals in general, and to start asking questions about the durability, hardness and practicality of the stones they buy for their custom jewelry. It has beautiful photos too!