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Gemstones of the world -
Walter Schumann.
Publisher description
New York : Sterling Pub. Co., 1997.
271 p. : ill. (some col.) ; 20 cm.
Annotations:
- Includes bibliographical references (p. 266) and index.
Best Books:
- Best Books for Junior High and High School Readers, 1998 ; Science Books & Films; United States
Senior High School Library Catalog, Sixteenth Edition, 2002 ; H.W. Wilson; United States
Reviews:
- Jean C. McManus (American Reference Books Annual (ARBA) 1998)
Gemstones of the World is filled with endsheet diagrams and maps of gemstone types and locations; glossy color photographs; charts ranking gemstones by properties, such as hardness; and substantial background text on many aspects of gemstones. This guide is visually appealing, with excellent photographs and accompanying text. Interesting features of this volume include a list of false names of gems and their corresponding correct names, diagrams of crystal systems, descriptions of optical properties, a section on mining methods and cutting, and descriptions of new varieties of gemstones on the market. The organization of this book follows that of a field guide, grouping gemstones by their chemical composition. Each group entry includes a list of properties (color, Moh's hardness, crystal system, transparency, refractive index, and absorption spectra), a brief history of deposits and use, gemstones that might be confused with the featured gem, and a full-page photograph of rough and polished varieties. The inclusion of technical properties that can only be measured with sophisticated equipment causes one to wonder what use a gemstone collector or student would have for this work. Also, a geologist or chemist seeking this information might not think to look in a work devoted to gemstones. Even with more information than might be needed, this work is best suited to the interested amateur. 1997, Sterling Publishing, 271p, $24.95Reviewer is Interim Head of Serials Department, Hesburgh Library, Univ. of Notre Dame, Ind Subjects:
- Precious stones.
| Language | Call Number | LCCN | Dewey Decimal | ISBN/ISSN |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| English (eng) | QE392 .S54513 1997 |
97000380 |
553.8 |
0806994614 9780806994611 |