Gemstones: Symbols of Beauty and Power (Rocks, Minerals and Gemstones) (Hardcover)

by Eduard J. Gubelin (Author), Franz-Zaver Erni (Author)

Editorial Reviews

From Library Journal
Noted geologist G belin and freelance scientific writer Erni distinguish their work from other gem books by providing geological perspective. "The purpose is to guide the layperson into one of nature's most fascinating puzzles without any need for a specialist's knowledge." They accomplish this purpose through over 370 gloriously colorful photographs of gems and painstaking descriptions of their creation within the earth's crust. They focus on 18 clear gemstones, from diamond to zircon, and eight opaque "ornamental stones," from agate to turquoise. The authors present fascinating microscopic investigations of stones and comparisons with human-made gems; additional chapters cover jeweled treasures used by royalty and clergy, historically important jewels, plus gemstone lore. A subtle social message is conveyed through the contrast of luxurious finished jewels with photos and descriptions of actual gemstone mining and polishing by native workers around the world. Rich in beauty and content; recommended for public and academic libraries. Therese Duzinkiewicz Baker, Western Kentucky Univ. Libs., Bowling Green
Copyright 2001 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 240 pages
• Publisher: Geoscience Press; English ed edition (September 2000)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0945005369
• ISBN-13: 978-0945005360
• Product Dimensions: 11.9 x 9.5 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 3.6 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #1,053,133 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Highly recommended for students of gems & jewelry making., January 22, 2001

By	Midwest Book Review (Oregon, WI USA) - See all my reviews

Any with an interest in gemstones will find this involving: a coffee table book which goes into depth and detail on individual gems and their geologic origins. From jewelry making and myths to science, collecting and lore, Gemstones provides a lavish display suitable for gift-giving and library acquisition alike.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars An extraordinary overview, January 30, 2002

By	Catherine S. Vodrey (East Liverpool, Ohio United States) - See all my reviews (TOP 500 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)

While perfectly interesting for the serious gemstone fancier, this book is equally approachable and usable for those just getting started. The sumptuous cover photograph is slightly misleading, in that it seems to promise jewelry within the book's pages. Although jewelry is covered--as are crowns, religious reliquaries, carved gemstone figurines and more--the main thrust of this book is the nuts and bolts basics of gemstones. You can find out which gemstones appear most frequently in which geographic locations; discern the subtle differences among the particolored members of the corundum family; find out what refractive indices mean; pore over all the different gemstone cuts (including unusual cuts like the shield and olive shapes) and much, much more. This book is really a tool and a sourcebook for those interested in the miracle of gemstones.

5.0 out of 5 stars Impressive Book, January 11, 2007

By	Curious Girl "Jan" (Santa Rosa, CA) - See all my reviews

This book is awesome! The book covers the major gemstone categories and it has beautiful illustrations of the gems. The paper is of fine quality and the book cover is eye catching. It is a work of art it and would be nice to display on a coffee table.