Gems and Crystals: From the American Museum of Natural History (Rocks, Minerals and Gemstones) (Hardcover)

~ (Author), George E. Harlow (Author) "Archaeology gives the earliest picture; it attempts to tell us when and where each gemstone was used, how it was fashioned, and whether it was..." (more)
Key Phrases: synthetic spinel, smoky quartz, gem crystals, Sri Lanka, Soviet Union, Minas Gerais (more...)

Editorial Reviews

From Library Journal

"Exquisite and informative, a rare find" best describes this dazzling visual compendium. Following a brief history of these collections and how they were catapulted from modest beginnings into world-famous status by such notable benefactors as Tiffany, Jesup, Morgan, and Guggenheim, the authors outline the archaeological and cultural history of gems. They also offer additional information on the basic attributes, properties, and evaluation of gems in general and devote the rest of the book to exploring the history, lore, distinctive properties, and occurrence of approximately 140 varieties of gems and minerals from diamonds and topaz to lapis lazuli and pearls. Chapters are arranged according to primary mineral groups or organic substances. Enthusiastically recommended.
- Stephen Allan Patrick, East Tennessee State Univ. Lib., Johnson City
Copyright 1991 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Review

...a must...a beautifully illustrated and informed guide. -- The State, Columbia, SC

A lush, full-color look at human fascination with the beauty and allure of gems and crystals. -- Indianapolis News

Combining the practical with the fantastic...[GEMS & CRYSTALS] serves as both reference book and sheer pleasure. -- San Diego Magazine

It is a truly beautiful book that anyone would be pleased to own. -- Rocks & Minerals Magazine

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Hardcover: 208 pages
• Publisher: Simon & Schuster (January 15, 1991)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0671687042
• ISBN-13: 978-0671687045
• Product Dimensions: 12.3 x 9.4 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 3 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #85,587 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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  #1 in	Books > Science > Earth Sciences > Mineralogy > Crystallochemical
  #36 in	Books > Outdoors & Nature > Natural Resources > Rocks & Minerals

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

2 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Good book for school projects, November 20, 2005

By	Franki McFard "Franki Mcf" (Antarctica) - See all my reviews

I desperatly needed to find info on Tourmaline and this book gave me all the info i needed to write my paper

5.0 out of 5 stars An Unbeatable Reference Source for Gems and Minerals!, April 17, 2001

By	Barbara A. Voltaire (San Francisco, CA USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This oversized "coffee table" style book, contains some of the most impressive gem and mineral photography in print. The photos were taken by Erica and Harold Van Pelt who are the most revered gemological photographers in the world. In addition, the text is well organized and flawlessly researched. Gems and Crystals really captures the magic responsible for mankind's obsession with gem minerals. I highly recommend this book to anyone with a passion for gems.