Masterpieces of the Mineral World: Treasures from the Houston Museum of Natural Science [Hardcover]

Wendell E. Wilson (Author), Joel A. Bartsch (Author), Mark Mauthner (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: November 1, 2004

The collection of natural mineral crystals housed at the Houston Museum of Natural Science is the ?nest and best known in the world. Now the treasures of this singular collection are shown in resplendent photographs that will seduce both the connoisseur of beauty and the student of natural history.
The spectacular and rare specimens on display here, from a huge imperial topaz crystal weighing more than 2,000 carats to a crystallized gold cluster that is one of the most highly coveted objects in the mineral kingdom, are true masterpieces, the Rembrandts and Picassos of the natural world. Like fine art, minerals are prized for their aesthetic qualities, color, luster, sculptural composition, and for their provenance. Avidly pursued by naturalists throughout the centuries, precious metals and gem crystals have a fascinating history. Stories regarding the pursuit and discovery of these precious natural objects, including tales of good luck and hardship, are related in these pages. Essays that explore connoisseurship in the mineral kingdom and chronicle the history of this noble pursuit add to the appeal of this unique volume.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Wendell E. Wilson is editor and publisher of The Mineralogical Record. Joel A. Bartsch is curator of gems and minerals at the Houston Museum of Natural Science.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 264 pages
• Publisher: Harry N. Abrams (November 1, 2004)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0810967510
• ISBN-13: 978-0810967519
• Product Dimensions: 12.2 x 9.6 x 1.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 4.4 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #895,007 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #80 in Books > Science & Math > Nature & Ecology > Field Guides > Rocks & Minerals

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Masterpieces of the Mineral World, January 11, 2007

By 

Joel D. Cohen (San Bruno, Ca. United States) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Masterpieces of the Mineral World: Treasures from the Houston Museum of Natural Science (Hardcover)

Excellent detail and photography. Very good section on attributes of mineral specimens, locations,and collections through the centuries.A wonderful table top book for everyone to enjoy.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars a treasury of great specimens, March 16, 2007

By 

E. Faller (Connecticut, USA) - See all my reviews
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Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Masterpieces of the Mineral World: Treasures from the Houston Museum of Natural Science (Hardcover)

The specimens shown in this book from the Houston Museum are truly the top of their class. This is a coffee-table book for the mineral collector, and only falls short of a visit to the museum itself.

7 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Masterpieces is a masterpiece, December 26, 2004

By 

J. Johnson - See all my reviews
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Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Masterpieces of the Mineral World: Treasures from the Houston Museum of Natural Science (Hardcover)

Minerals and crystals are among the most beautiful objects on the planet. Their sculptural shapes and intense colors can be mesmerizing. Amazingly these specimens haven't been "enhanced" by cutting or polishing. They are as God made them. These magnificent photographs of the world's greatest collection capture their beauty as well as any book I've ever seen.