The World of Opals [Hardcover]

Allan W. Eckert (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0471133973 | ISBN-13: 978-0471133971 | Publication Date: September 1997 | Edition: 1

Centuries after it was first discovered, the opal remains the undisputed Queen of Gems. A stone of incredible beauty and variety, with a background rich in myth, adventure, and intrigue, it is considered by many to be the most desirable, the most handsome, and the most precious of all gemstones.

The first comprehensive book on the subject in over thirty years, The World of Opals is a complete guide to the science and history of these remarkable gems. It begins with a thorough examination of the physical properties and attributes of common and precious opals, with up-to-date information on opal formation, extraction, storage, and cutting. Next, it chronicles man's involvement with the stone from 4000 B.C. to the present, following the opal through countless reversals of fortune and mythology as talisman, prognostic aid, patron stone of thieves, and bearer of bad luck.

Readers will find fascinating de-tails about the discovery, whereabouts, and value of famous opals, from such classic specimens as the Burning of Troy Opal to the Bonanza Opal and other more recent discoveries. Finally, the book surveys today's major opal-producing areas and provides current information on opal occurrence worldwide.

Punctuating the text are useful tables, extensive glossaries of opal types and opal-related terms, and beautiful photographs that capture the essence and mystery of this most exquisite stone.

Accessible and authoritative, The World of Opals is a first-rate reference that will be consulted by mineral and gem enthusiasts for years to come.

The complete guide to the science and history of opals

The World of Opals contains thorough and accessible coverage of all aspects of the legendary Queen of Gems. It features the latest information on how opals are formed, where they are found, and how the stone is mined, and explores the fascinating history and mythology of opals throughout the ages. An indispensable addition to the library of every mineral and gem enthusiast, this definitive reference includes:
* In-depth material on physical properties, attributes, and handling
* A multifaceted examination of opal formation, opalized fossils and pseudomorphs, and opal types
* Famous and distinctive opals, including weight, origin, date of discovery, and background
* An up-to-date survey of major opal fields, plus an alphabetical guide to opal occurrence worldwide
* Extensive glossaries of opal types and related terms, plus bibliography, tables, photographs, and more

Editorial Reviews

From the Publisher

The first comprehensive book on opals in over 30 years, The World of Opals covers the history of opals, where opals are found and how the stone is mined. It also covers cutting, polishing techniques and other methods for working with this "Queen of Gems."

From the Inside Flap

Centuries after it was first discovered, the opal remains the undisputed Queen of Gems. A stone of incredible beauty and variety, with a background rich in myth, adventure, and intrigue, it is considered by many to be the most desirable, the most handsome, and the most precious of all gemstones. The first comprehensive book on the subject in over thirty years, The World of Opals is a complete guide to the science and history of these remarkable gems. It begins with a thorough examination of the physical properties and attributes of common and precious opals, with up-to-date information on opal formation, extraction, storage, and cutting. Next, it chronicles man’s involvement with the stone from 4000 B.C. to the present, following the opal through countless reversals of fortune and mythology as talisman, prognostic aid, patron stone of thieves, and bearer of bad luck. Readers will find fascinating details about the discovery, where-abouts, and value of famous opals, from such classic specimens as the Burning of Troy Opal to the Bonanza Opal and other more recent discoveries. Finally, the book surveys today’s major opal-producing areas and provides current information on opal occurrence worldwide. Punctuating the text are useful tables, extensive glossaries of opal types and opal-related terms, and beautiful photographs that capture the essence and mystery of this most exquisite stone. Accessible and authoritative, The World of Opals is a first-rate reference that will be consulted by mineral and gem enthusiasts for years to come.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Hardcover: 448 pages
• Publisher: Wiley; 1 edition (September 1997)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0471133973
• ISBN-13: 978-0471133971
• Product Dimensions: 9.6 x 7.9 x 1.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.9 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,814,723 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Allan W. Eckert, seven-time Pulitzer Prize nominee, has written 39 books, including his award-winning Incident at Hawk's Hill and The Frontiersman, plus numerous other historical narratives, novels and non-fiction works, as well as books for young adults and children.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

34 of 34 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars The World of Opals, December 14, 1999

By 

Marvin Tuchyner (Southern California) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The World of Opals (Hardcover)

A fascinating, well concieved and presented tome on opals. It is both a good read and a good reference. However, I find it extremely vexing when the text directs me to a photo of a colorful opal only to discover that photos accompanying the text are in black and white. How asinine on the part of the publisher to effect such economies on a book that cost over $90.00. The photos might just have well been of anthracite coal lumps.

Both the author and the reading public would have been much better served if the publisher had eliminated entirely these black and white photos which proved such a source of frustration.

I'm aware there is a 16 page signature of color. It would not have cost much more to have made this a 32 page sig amalgamating the text pictures. If this book goes into subsequent printings I hope what I perceive as a glaring error is corrected.

Again, let me stress that I enjoyed the book immensely, but what could have been an A+ tome is a B-.

11 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars An extensive history of opal mining with special finds noted, March 27, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: The World of Opals (Hardcover)

For the last 10 years, opals have mystified me with their uniqueness. I wanted to know more!!. Boy did I get an eye full. This book is full of history(before the time of Christ), science(but not overwhelming), locations(general), and special finds that have been made since recorded history. If I found a person looking for more information about the opal, I would surely recommend this book. I was hoping that it would have contained more information concerning the lapidary side of the industry. Even though I was disappointed in this area, I was extremely pleased in the information that the book shared.

10 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The definitive guide to opals!, April 2, 1998

By A Customer

This review is from: The World of Opals (Hardcover)

This is an Amazing Book! If you like opals, gemstones, or jewelry, you will love all the information provided in this extremely thorough, and well written book. The book takes you through the way opals are really formed. (Satisfying the scientist in us all). Then it takes you into the history of all the amazing opal finds around the world and where to find your own opals. (satisfying anyone who wants to know how the opal trade works). It also wonderfully describes the worlds most magnificent opals ever found. Including one of the largest solid opals ever found, The Bonanza found by Keith Hodson. (capturing the jewelry lovers).
If you want to know anything about opals, you've got to get this book!