Gemstones
Unearth a treasure trove of knowledge on over 130 gemstones from around the world.

Learn how gemstones are formed and how to recognize them by their unique qualities and colors. It’s a wonderful book for beginners, students and gemstone-enthusiasts that includes the latest scientific research and specimen classification.
 
Handbook of Gemstones is filled with all you need to know about the fascinating world of gemstones — cut and uncut stones, organic gemstones and precious metals. Inside, you’ll find:

   • Fast facts for quick reference, including chemical composition, hardness, gravity, luster and reflective value.
   • Photo close-ups of key details and highlights of distinguishing features.
   • Illustrations of faceting and shapes popular for each gemstone.
   • A detailed introduction to everything a beginner gemologist needs to know, including how gemstones form, the different properties, crystal shapes, faceting and the history of gems.

Everything you ever wanted to know about gems

Delve into the one-of-a-kind characteristics, colors and attributes of more than 130 gemstones with this compact visual guide. For easy classification, each stone’s entry includes annotated photographs to highlight distinguishing features and concise details about the attributes of gems.

Designed for beginners and experienced collectors alike, this gemology book explores what gemstones are, how they are classified and how to identify them by their physical and optical properties. It also shows you how they were fashioned and imitated throughout history. Learn the differences between varieties of cut and uncut stones, organic gemstones and precious metals. It includes a glossary for many more technical and scientific terms, and over 800 high-quality photos of gems, making it the ideal gift for any budding gemologist!

Love what you’re seeing? Check out other titles in the series!

The DK Handbook series is an incredible collection of titles that fascinate curious minds. Other books include Rocks and Minerals, Dinosaurs, and Prehistoric Life, and Stars and Planets.
"1101437058"
Gemstones
Unearth a treasure trove of knowledge on over 130 gemstones from around the world.

Learn how gemstones are formed and how to recognize them by their unique qualities and colors. It’s a wonderful book for beginners, students and gemstone-enthusiasts that includes the latest scientific research and specimen classification.
 
Handbook of Gemstones is filled with all you need to know about the fascinating world of gemstones — cut and uncut stones, organic gemstones and precious metals. Inside, you’ll find:

   • Fast facts for quick reference, including chemical composition, hardness, gravity, luster and reflective value.
   • Photo close-ups of key details and highlights of distinguishing features.
   • Illustrations of faceting and shapes popular for each gemstone.
   • A detailed introduction to everything a beginner gemologist needs to know, including how gemstones form, the different properties, crystal shapes, faceting and the history of gems.

Everything you ever wanted to know about gems

Delve into the one-of-a-kind characteristics, colors and attributes of more than 130 gemstones with this compact visual guide. For easy classification, each stone’s entry includes annotated photographs to highlight distinguishing features and concise details about the attributes of gems.

Designed for beginners and experienced collectors alike, this gemology book explores what gemstones are, how they are classified and how to identify them by their physical and optical properties. It also shows you how they were fashioned and imitated throughout history. Learn the differences between varieties of cut and uncut stones, organic gemstones and precious metals. It includes a glossary for many more technical and scientific terms, and over 800 high-quality photos of gems, making it the ideal gift for any budding gemologist!

Love what you’re seeing? Check out other titles in the series!

The DK Handbook series is an incredible collection of titles that fascinate curious minds. Other books include Rocks and Minerals, Dinosaurs, and Prehistoric Life, and Stars and Planets.
19.99 In Stock
Gemstones

Gemstones

by Cally Hall
Gemstones

Gemstones

by Cally Hall

(Reissue)

$19.99 
  • SHIP THIS ITEM
    Qualifies for Free Shipping
  • PICK UP IN STORE
    Check Availability at Nearby Stores

Related collections and offers


Overview

Unearth a treasure trove of knowledge on over 130 gemstones from around the world.

Learn how gemstones are formed and how to recognize them by their unique qualities and colors. It’s a wonderful book for beginners, students and gemstone-enthusiasts that includes the latest scientific research and specimen classification.
 
Handbook of Gemstones is filled with all you need to know about the fascinating world of gemstones — cut and uncut stones, organic gemstones and precious metals. Inside, you’ll find:

   • Fast facts for quick reference, including chemical composition, hardness, gravity, luster and reflective value.
   • Photo close-ups of key details and highlights of distinguishing features.
   • Illustrations of faceting and shapes popular for each gemstone.
   • A detailed introduction to everything a beginner gemologist needs to know, including how gemstones form, the different properties, crystal shapes, faceting and the history of gems.

Everything you ever wanted to know about gems

Delve into the one-of-a-kind characteristics, colors and attributes of more than 130 gemstones with this compact visual guide. For easy classification, each stone’s entry includes annotated photographs to highlight distinguishing features and concise details about the attributes of gems.

Designed for beginners and experienced collectors alike, this gemology book explores what gemstones are, how they are classified and how to identify them by their physical and optical properties. It also shows you how they were fashioned and imitated throughout history. Learn the differences between varieties of cut and uncut stones, organic gemstones and precious metals. It includes a glossary for many more technical and scientific terms, and over 800 high-quality photos of gems, making it the ideal gift for any budding gemologist!

Love what you’re seeing? Check out other titles in the series!

The DK Handbook series is an incredible collection of titles that fascinate curious minds. Other books include Rocks and Minerals, Dinosaurs, and Prehistoric Life, and Stars and Planets.

Product Details

ISBN-13: 9780744020557
Publisher: DK
Publication date: 08/17/2021
Series: DK Smithsonian Handbook
Edition description: Reissue
Pages: 160
Sales rank: 235,658
Product dimensions: 5.75(w) x 8.50(h) x 0.44(d)

About the Author

Cally Hall is a geology expert and an author of educational guidebooks that make the subject accessible to a variety of readers. She wrote her first book, a DK Smithsonian Handbook called Gemstones, in 1994. She has also written two science-themed books aimed at younger audiences, Closer Look at Mountains and Closer Look at Forests.

Table of Contents

Introduction 6

Author's introduction 6

How this book works 9

What are gemstones? 10

How gemstones are formed 12

Where gemstones are found 14

Physical properties 16

Crystal shapes 18

Optical properties 20

Natural inclusions 24

Faceting 26

Polishing, carving, and engraving 28

Gems through the ages 30

History and folklore 32

Synthetic gemstones 34

Imitation and enhancement 36

Color key 38

Precious Metals 48

Cut Stones 54

Organics 138

Table of properties 150

Glossary 156

Index 158

Useful addresses 160

Acknowledgments 160

From the B&N Reads Blog

Customer Reviews