Gemstones of the world, hardcover/walter schumann

This is truly the ultimate one-volume book every hobbyist, jeweler, jewelry maker, and rockhound will ever need Following the spectacular success of the first four editions of Gemstones of the World , the revised fifth edition exhibits important updates and a beautiful new cover.

All the gemstones ever discovered--now over 1,900--are treated in their many variations.

More than 1,500 full-color photos showcase each precious and semiprecious stone in both its rough natural state and its polished and cut renditions.

Each entry offers complete information on a gemstones formation and structure, physical properties and characteristics, methods of working, cutting, and polishing.

Youll find full treatments of lesser-known gems, from andalusite to vesuvian, and a special section devoted to rocks as precious stones, including alabaster, onyx, obsidian, and fossils.

Organic gem materials, such as coral, ivory, amber, and pearl, are also covered along with new-on-the-market stones like charcoite.

Additionally, this all-inclusive volume includes imitations, synthetics, and combined stones.

Charts and tables help you identify unknown gemstones and--when youre in the market--how to check for genuineness.