References for Rockhounds Gemstones

Whether you are a seasoned expert or just beginning your collection, Agates is an indispensable resource to the rich geological and cultural significance of these beautiful stones. With beautiful and lavish color photographs of stunning agates from cover to cover, this book includes an illustrated and comprehensive identification guide to the different varieties of agates from around the world.

Chapters include Introduction, Names of Agates, What is an Agate?, Properties of Agates, Sources of Agates, Lapidary, Uses of Agates Through the Ages, and Collecting. An extensive bibliography provides references to further information on agates and agate localities, and a glossary and index are included.

Among the general types of wall-banded agates described and illustrated are agatised corals, agatised woods, calico agates, dendritic agates, disc and ovoid bearing agates, eye agates, faulted and brecciated agates, flame agates, fortification agates, iris or rainbow agates, jasp agates, lace agates, mocha agates, moss agates, plume agates, sagenitic agates, stalactitic agates, and tube agates. Among the general types of level-banded agates described and illustrated are landscape or scenic onyx, onyx, plynthoid onyx, sard onyx, thunder eggs and wave onyx. Other general types of chalcedony described and illustrated include bloodstone, carnelian, chert, chrysoprase, flint, jasper, plasma, prase and sard.

Among the worldwide localities and sources for agates discussed are Europe, Britain, the USA, Canada, Mexico, South America, Africa, Asia and Australia. The numerous varieties of agates described and illustrated from US localities alone include Guernsey Lake agates, Tepee Canyon agates, Fairburn agates, Union Road agates, Lysite agates, Sweetwater agates, Lake Superior agates, Tampa Bay agatised corals, Calf Killer agates, Horse Mountain agates, Nipomo (bean field) agates, Lavic agates, Horse Canyon agates, Paisley agates, Paul Bunyon agates, Siam agates, Wingate agates, China Lake agates, Owl Hole Lake agates, Burro Creek agates, Bull Canyon agates, Dugway agates, Pigeon Blood agates, Deming agates, Woodward Ranch agates, Rio Grande agates, Montana agates, Succor Creek agates, Graveyard point agates, Regency Rose agates, Beacon Hill agates, Richardson Ranch thunder eggs, Priday plume agates, Frieda thunder eggs, Eagle Rock agates, Antelope agates, Big Muddy Ranch agates, Deschutes River thunder eggs, Buchanan thunder eggs, Succor Creek agates, Rattle Snake eggs, Trent sagenite, Holley blue agate, Oregon Beach agates, Copco agates, Sweet Home agates, Thistle Creek agates, and others.

Agates is a profusely illustrated and expertly researched and written reference and no-brainer addition to the personal library of any agate collector or appreciator of these beautiful and unique gemstones.

The unique properties of amber (fossilized tree resin) have long intrigued many people and never more so than now, in the wake of Michael Chriton's fictional Jurassic Park and real scientific breakthroughs in achieving what Chriton theorized: the cloning of an ancient DNA sequence of amber. Originally published to accompany the hugely popular 1996 exhibition organized by the American Museum of Natural History in New York, Amber: Window to the Past explores thoroughly the various aspects of this remarkable material, from its part in delineating evolutionary history, through the study of folklore surrounding it, to is use in decorative arts and jewelry. The 230 gorgeous and amazingly varied photographs and drawings, 115 in color and never before published, vividly illuminate the roles of amber in both nature and art. This engrossing and readable book will delight lovers of science, history and art as well as anyone intrigued by stories of how we and our world have evolved. Soft cover, 9" x 11", 216 pages.

Amber has been one of humankind's favorite decorations and personal adornments throughout the ages. People have always been attracted to and fascinated by these beautiful fossil resins that may contain trapped insects and plants from an earlier geologic time. The Amber Book explains how amber is formed and describes its geologic setting in the Baltic region and elsewhere. The authors explore the role amber plays in the folklore of many cultures, and provide practical advice on how to care for amber jewelry, how to use it for lapidary purposes, and how to detect fake amber. Profusely illustrated, The Amber Book is a basic source of knowledge for anyone who appreciates amber, including jewelry buyers and art collectors. Hard cover, 7" x 9", 134 pages.

In these times of gem doctoring, underkarating, so called "50% off" sales - and buyer ignorance - Beyond the Glitter has been described as fast, readable, and a necessary gemological course for jewelry lovers. It covers all aspects of gems and jewelry. So, if you deal in gems and jewelry - or merely wish to appreciate jewelry more - this book will enable you to deal competently and confidently in that glittering arena where knowledge pays off and the lack of it pays out. Major topics cover include gemstone history and lore, gem care, gem enhancement, synthetic gems, precious metals, diamonds, colored stones, style, precious gems and gemstone expertise. Hard cover, 6" x 9", 206 pages.

Descriptions of Gem Materials is a complete reference on natural and man-made gem materials for gem cutters, gemologists and all others with an interest in gemstones. It provides a basis for gem identification and prepares the cutter for what may be expected when cabbing, carving or faceting a particular material. It covers the physical and optical properties for 346 distinct natural minerals and 56 man-made gems, more than 550 gem materials in all. Included are complete sets of tables for hardness, specific gravity and refractive index and information on common inclusions for each mineral. A complete list of varietal, alternate and incorrect names is presented and the pronunciation and derivation of gem names is provided.

Descriptions of Gem Materials is organized by eight major sections: Section 1 - Natural Gem Materials, Section 2 - Man-made Gem Materials, Section 3 - Table of Hardness, Section 4 - Table of Specific Gravity, Section 5 - Table of Refractive Index, Section 6 - Glossary of Important Geological Terms, Section 7 - Index of Alternate, Varietal and Incorrect Names, and Section 8 - Bibliography of Selected References.

Carat for carat, fine diamonds are among the most desirable and expensive items on Earth. Diamonds provide the standard of price, beauty and value against which all other gemstones are measured. More than unsurpassed in beauty and sparkle, no other gemstone has so many desirable attributes combined. In Diamonds, well known and authoritative gem and mineral author Fred Ward provides superb photos to illustrate his discussion of this gem. Chapters include History and Lore, The Hunt for Treasure, Romancing the Stone, Jewels and Artifacts, Synthetic and Industrial Diamonds, and Buying and Caring for Diamonds. Diamonds is sure to be appreciated by anyone with an interest in the history, lore and characteristics of this incomparable stone. Soft cover, 6" x 9", 64 pages.

Emeralds are the premier gems in the beryl family. For more than 4,000 years, emeralds have been among the most valuable of all jewels. In Emeralds, well known and authoritative gem and mineral author Fred Ward provides superb photos to illustrate his discussion of this gem. Chapters include History and Lore, The Hunt for Treasure, Romancing the Stone, Jewels and Artifacts, lab-Grown Emeralds and Imitations, and Buying and Caring for Emeralds. Emeralds is sure to be appreciated by anyone with an interest in the history, lore and characteristics of this precious stone. Soft cover, 6" x 9", 63 pages.

Get good value for your money by using the Gem and Jewelry Pocket Guide. You'll find out what to look for when buying gems and what questions to ask jewelers. You'll discover how gems are enhanced to make them appear better than they really are and how marketing terms are used to mislead you. You'll even learn how to avoaid hassles with customs.Soft cover, 4.5" x 7", 156 pages.

Glamour, intrigue, romance, the quest for treasure... those are all vital aspects of humankind's eternal search and love for gemstones. As long as people have roamed the world, the have placed extraordinary value on our incredible gifts from the land and sea. And once they found or purchased gems, the owners discovered their treasures lasted longer and looked more beautiful with proper care.

Gem Care offers simple, straight-forward, accurate information on the safest and easiest methods for wisely taking care of your gems and jewelry. Because gems have different characteristics, there is no single safe way to care for them. Much depends on the hardness of the gem, its toughness, and its susceptibility to heat, light, and acids. By using all the tips and sound advice in this book, your gems and jewelry should be safe and look like new for decades.

Specifically covered gemstones include alexandrite, amber, apatite, beryl (aquamarine, emerald, green beryl, heliodor, morganite, red beryl), chalcedony (agate, bloodstone, carnelian, chrysoprase, fire agate, jasper, moss agate, onyx, petrified wood, sardonyx), chrysoberyl, coral, cubic zirconia, diamond, diopside, garnet (almandite, demantoid, pyrope, rhodolite, spessartite, tsavorite, malaia), hematite, iolite, ivory, jade (jadeite, nephrite), kunzite, lapis lazuli, malachite, marcasite, moonstone, obsidian, opal (black, boulder, crystal, jelly, fire, white), pearl, pearl shell products (abalone, mabés, mother-of-pearl, shell), peridot, quartz (amethyst, ametrine, adventurine, citrine, rock crystal, rutilated quartz, tiger's eye), ruby, sapphire, spinel, tanzanite, topaz (blue, imperial, sherry), tourmaline (green, indicolite, parti-color, rubellite, watermelon), turquoise, and zircon.

The care of gold, platinum and silver is also discussed. If the information and advice authority Fred Ward presents in Gem Care saves you from making even one mistake in cleaning and caring for your gems and jewelry, you will most likely have saved yourself its modest cost many times over, or even prevented damaging a priceless family heirloom.

Gem Identification Made Easy is the first and only book that explains in non-technical terms how to identify diamonds and colored gems and separate them form imitations and look-alikes. The book's approach is direct and practical, and its style easy to understand. In fact, with this highly accessible guide, anyone can begin to master gem identification. Using a simple, step-by-step system, the authors explain the proper use of essential but uncomplicated instruments that will do the identification tasks, what to look for gemstone by gemstone, and how to set up a basic lab at modest cost.

Three of the instruments are inexpensive, portable, pocket instruments which, when used together, can identify almost 85% of all precious and popular stones. The key to avoiding costly mistakes and recognizing profitable opportunities is know both what to look for and what to look out for. Gem Identification Made Easy will help you: Open your eyes to the types of imitations, synthetics, look-alikes and fakes in the gem market today. Learn how to tell the difference between them. Quickly spots synthetics, including synthetic emeralds and diamonds, filled diamonds, diffused "blue" sapphires and "red" rubies, and much more. Discover how to identify new gems such as "red" emerald and "Mandarin" garnet. Know when to seek help from a professional gemologist or lab. Become more professional in you business or hobby.

The contents are organized into 16 major sections: (1) Before Beginning, (2) Setting Up the Lab, (3) Proper Lighting for Gem Identification, (4) The Loupe and Dark-Field Loupe, (5) The Chelsea Filter and Synthetic Emerald Filter, (6) The Dichroscope, (7) The Ultraviolet Lamp, (8) The Refractometer, (9) The Microscope, (10) The Spectroscope, (11) The Polariscope, (12) The Diamond-Type Spotter - Essential tool for Diamond Buyers, (13) The Immersion Cell, (14) The Electronic Diamond Tester, (15) The "Synthetic Diamond Detectors", and (16) Antique and Estate Jewelry - The True Test of Gem Identification Skill.

Covered in appendices are Gemstone Property Tables, Glossary, Recommended Reading, Laboratories That Provide Internationally Recognized Reports of Genuineness and Quality, Where to Go for Additional Gemological Training, International List of Gem Testing Laboratories and Gemologists, International List of Associations, and Gem Identification Suppliers.

The Gemstone Property Tables include: Frequently Encountered Transparent Gems by Color, Hardness of Popular Gems, Specific Gravity Table, Refractive Index Tables for Single and Double Refracting Gems, Table of Dispersion, and Table of Birefringence of Gemstones. Other tables include: Suggested Lighting for Gem Identification Instruments, Using the Synthetic Emerald Filter Set to Separate Natural Emerald from Synthetic, Colors Exhibited by Popular Dichroic and Trichroic Gems - by Gem Color, Colors Exhibited by Popular Dichroic and Trichroic Gems - by Gem Family, Gems That Show No Dichroism, Fluorescent Gemstone Chart, Use of Ultraviolet Examination for Separating "Look-Alikes", Phosphorescent Gemstone Chart, Refractive Index of Popular Single Refracting Gemstone Materials, Diamond Types and Which Ones Respond to HPHT Techniques, Diamond Reactions to the SSEF Diamond-Type Spotter, Liquids Used to Immerse Gems for Better Examination, and Synthetic Gemstones and Man-Made Imitations.

Simon and Schuster's Guide to Gems and Precious Stones provides both the connoisseur and the casual collector with a compact, easy-to-use volume describing more than 100 rare varieties minerals whose beauty and mystery have possessed our imaginations from time immemorial. More than 450 brilliant photographs accompany profiles of each gem, covering such aspects as appearance, physical properties - density, hardness, refraction - occurence, and how to judge quality and value. Additional sections describe the process of cutting gemstones and the techniques professional geologists use to evaluate the stone's weight and optical properties.

Simon and Schuster's Guide to Gems and Precious Stones is organized into three major sections: Natual Stones and Gems, Organic Gems, and Synthetic and Artifical Products. Detailed and comprehensive, this book is essential for anyone interested in the study of gems and precious stones.

What lies beneath the breathtaking beauty of the gemstones we see in jewelry shop windows, marvel at museums, and adorn ourselves with? Take a look at why they impart an aura of exclusiveness and worth that increases our desire to possess them as you admire the most popular and lesser known types in dazzling color photographs, many new to this edition. Examine uncut stones and gems in their natural state, find out how they are formed and mined, know how to distinguish the real from the fake, and inspect their structure and physical attributes. Among the exquisite examples you'll see are a Spanish Renaissance pendant with Columbian emeralds, a Mayan jadeite mask, and the Koh-i-Noor diamond. This feast for the eyes gives you entry into the alluring world of the rare and valuable. Soft cover, 8" x 8", 76 pages.

Gemstones of North America provides the most authoritative and comprehensive reference ever published on North American gemstones and localities. The principal emphasis is laid upon what gemstones are to be found in North America, their properties and appearance, and where and in what quantity and quality they occur. 176 drawings, diagrams, maps, photographs and color plates serve to illustrate and enhance the text. Assembled in this book are those facts which will be most useful to students, collectors and connoisseurs of gems, museums, and of course to the host of jewelry makers whose interest in native gemstones encourages the development of gemstone resources. John Sinkankas authored this reference for scientifically minded readers. Held to a minimum are aspects of curious lore involving superstitions, alleged medicinal properties and other exotic attributes of gems.

Gemstones of North America is organized into seven major chapters. The first chapter deals with the essential nature of gemstones and discusses the essential physical properties and features which make gemstones objects of beauty. Technical terms and gemstone terminology employed throughout the remainder of the book are explained for the average reader lacking formal education in mineralogy and the Earth sciences. Succeeding chapters take up individual gemstone species. The major scientific aspects of each are covered, especially in connection with varieties that yield gemstones. Every species discussion begins with a brief explanation of the gemstone, its scientific name, varietal names, and other useful data, followed by a section dealing with the physical, chemical and optical properties of the species. Further discussion elaborates upon color, quality and other features which add or detract from its value as a gemstone or affect its commercial importance. At the close of each species description, localities are described beginning with those in the northernmost lands and finishing with places in Central America and the West Indies. Information on the features of mineralogy and geology of the gemstone deposits is also furnished. The arrangement of species within the body of the book takes reflects their commercial importance, abundance or rarity, their specific uses in jewelry and ornamentation, and brings together those which are closely related in some important respect. An entire 113 page chapter is devoted to the quartz of family gemstones, presenting an exhaustive description of quartz gemstone varieties.

Chapters include: I The Properties of Gemstones: Gemstone Qualities, Organic Gemstones, Rocks, Minerals and Gemstones, Crystals, The Geometry of Crystals, Crystal Growth, Cleavage, Specific Gravity, Light upon Gems, Dispersion, Color in Gems, Special Optical Effects; II Principal Gemstones: Diamond, Corundum (Ruby and Sapphire). Beryl, Topaz, Opal; III Important Gemstones: The Feldspar Group, Spodumene, Tourmaline, Sodalite and Cancrinite, Olivine, Turquois, Variscite, Jade (Nephrite and Jadeite), Rhodonite, Idocrase (Vesuvianite), The Garnet Group; IV Quartz Family Gemstones; V Rare and Unusual Gemstones: Chrysoberyl, Rutile, Petalite, Pollucite, Phenakite, Axinite, Microlite, Stibiotantalite, Beryllonite, Apatite, Amblygonite, Brazilianite, Lazulite, Cassiterite, Diaspore, Enstatite, Hypersthene, Zircon, Algodoniote and Domeykite, Sphalerite, Niccolite, Smaltite, Cobaltite, Breithauptite, Zincite, Rhodochrosite, Willemite, Friedelite, Hodgkinsonite, Sphene, Augelite, Scheelite, Diopside, Anthophyllite, Actinolite, Tremolite, Scapolite, Danburite, Chondrodite, Benitoite, Iolite, Andalusite, Kyanite, Epidote and Piedmontite, Staurolite, Colemanite, Barite, Celestite, Tektites; IV Massive and Decorative Gemstones: Granite, Graphic Granite, Unakite, Quartz Porphyry (Leopardite), Orbicular Gabbro-Diorite, Lepidolite and Muscovite Mica, Obsidian, Banded Rhyolite, Pectolite, Datolite, Prehnite, Chlorastrolite, Mordenite, Natrolite and Mesolite, Thomsonite, Fluorite, Smithsonite, Malachite and Azurite, Shattuckite, Wollastonite, Lapis Lazuli, Fibrolite (Sillimanite), Zoisite and Clinozoisite, Serpentine, Copper Rhyolite, Red Corundum in Amphibolite, Pyrite, Calcite, Howlite, Ulexite, Gypsum, Catlinite, Argillite, Bauxite; VII Organic Gemstones: Pearls and Shell, Coral, Amber, Jet, Anthracite Coal.

An important 13-page Bibliography citing references and further resources is included in the appendices. Other appendices include a 13-page glossary of terms, a tabular review of Gemstone Deposits, Notes on Collections and Collecting, a 23-page Geographical and Locality Index, and a General Index.

Gemstones of the World, the definitive guide to gems for over 20 years, takes the mystery out of appreciating, buying and selling all kinds. It covers everything from the romance and history of more than 1,400 gemstones to their geographic locations, scientific, physical and color properties, and the way they are formed, structured and mined. With many charts and diagrams Schumann offers full coverage of the optical features of gems - light and color, luminescence, refraction, and inclusions - and about densities and the chemical elements of each stone, with fascinating details on different cuts, polishing, synthetic and imitation gems, hardness, cleavage, classification, trade names, rarity and much more - all with an easy to understand text. And then there are the magnificent photographs of the stones themselves in brilliant full-color, with full data on the facing page. If you could have only one book on gemstones in your library, this would be the one! Hard cover, 5" x 8", 280 pages.

Why are emeralds green? How does a pearl form? What is the "king of gems"? The answers to these questions and many more are packed within the pages of DK Pockets: Gemstones, a fascinating guide to the better-known varieties of precious stones, ranging from uncut gems to spectacular examples of finished jewelry, all photographed in full color. Featuring an easy-to-use color key, information on gem lore, gem care and how to make your own jewelry, DK Pockets: Gemstones is the ideal introduction to a multifaceted, glittering world. Soft cover, 4" x 5", 128 pages.

Gemstones Symbols of Beauty and Power offers the reader deep insight into the fascinating world of gemstones. It provides exact description of the individual gems and goes into their origins and their extraction. In his graphic style, Eduard Gübelin reports on the events deep inside the earth eons ago that lead to the creation of these superlative, sparkling natural products and their colorful radiance. Even if these wonders of nature can be reduced to chemical formulae, they nevertheless lose nothing of the fascination that they have had for humans since time immemorial.

Franz-Xavier Erni offers the reader a spellbinding tale of how gemstones have loyally accompanied humans throughout history. How gemstones have served women as jewelry and men as symbols of their power. The loveliest of gems adorn women's jewelry as well as the crowns and insignia of worldly and spiritual rulers.

Throughout the ages, individual gems have been allocated to the months of the year and to the signs of the zodiac and imbued with special healing powers in popular imagination. This book offers qualified answers to all questions relating to gemstones; it is not only an exciting read but also a reference work that can be consulted as required.

Gemstones: their characteristics and their origin covers 8 The exquisite rarity, 16 The causes of color variety, and 20 A commitment to eternity.

Gemstones: their extraction and processing covers 24 The extraction of gemstones, 32 The cutting of diamonds, 34 The cutting of color gemstones, 36 Polishing Agate, and 37 Glyptography.

Portraits of the gemstones covers 42 The beauty of color gems, 44 The beauty of the phenomena gems, 46 Diamond: King of gemstones, 56 Corundum: the colorful palette, 60 Ruby: divine crystal spark, 66 Sapphire: symbol of the firmament, 72 Beryl the palette of pastel colors, 76 Emerald: glittering like leaves in may, 82 Chrysoberyl: an exquisite trio, 86 Feldspars: a major company, 90 Garnets: a courtly household of noble vassals, 94 Opal: humming bird and firebird, 100 Peridot: green-golden ray of sunshine, 104 Quartz: bustling globetrotter, 108 Spinel: the corundum's disguised twin, 112 Spodumene: phoenix from the ashes, 114 Tanzanite: blue patrician from black africa, 118 Topaz: chalice of golden crystal, 122 Tourmaline: alpha and omega, and 126 Zircon: dizzying quick change artist.

Portraits of ornamental gems covers 132 The beauty of ornamental gems, Agate: fire and flames, 136 Charoite: reed pipes from the russian karst, 138 Jade: Metaphor for luck, 142: Lapis lazuli: incarnation of the starry firmament, 144 Malachite: master of the green shades, 146 Rhodochrosite and rhodonite, 148 Sugilite: budding mallow spur, and 150: Turquoise: morning fresh bloom of heaven.

Gemstones: symbols of authority and power covers 174 Exquisite treasures, 180 Noble gems for the word of god, and 188 Votive and consecretion crowns.

Beauty, magic and medicine covers 194 Famous jewels and their history, 202 Of seals, amulets and talismans, 208 Stones of the month - birthstones and 214 Gemstone medicine.

The fascination of internal life covers inclusions in gemstones.

A passion for collecting covers collecting rare gemstones such as benitoite, andalusite, danburite, sillimanite, kornerupines, sinhalite, sphene, taaffeite, scapolite, and others.

Natural or not? covers synthetics, composites and gemstone imitations.

Anyone interested in the mineralogy, creation, history and lore of gemstones will appreciate Gemstones Symbols of Beauty and Power as an authoritative, must have read and reference for their personal library.

Genuine Diamonds Found In Arkansas is a superlatively researched and illustrated read on the geology, history, techniques and lore of mining diamonds in Arkansas. It features 218 photographs, maps and charts to help illustrate and explain the story of diamond mining in Arkansas, including 32 pages of color photographs showing Arkansas diamonds in their natural, uncut forms. This book is authoritatively written by an author involved in both commercial Arkansas diamond mining operations as well as years of digging alongside other dedicated diamond diggers and more casual visitors to the Crater of Diamonds State Park in Murfreesboro, Arkansas.

The role of continental drift and crustal faulting associated with the Appalacian and Ouachita Mountains related to the formation the diamond bearing lamproite pipes occuring in Arkansas is examined. Why there are diamonds in Arkansas and how they have become concentrated in enriched surface material through the processes of weathering and erosion is explained. Learn about the history of commercial diamond mining in Arkansas and how Crater of Diamonds State Park came to be a unique place in the world where visitors can search for and keep any diamond they find.

Genuine Diamonds Found In Arkansas is rich in human history and weaves a colorful tapestry of the many stories behind diamond mining in Arkansas, beginning with the 1906 discovery of diamonds in Arkansas by illiterate hog farmer John Wesley Huddleston on the 160 acre tract he purchased with the down payment of a mule. Enjoy the inspiring saga of "Diamond James Archer" whose persistence and tenacity over a 30-year span of diamond digging in Arkansas made him a legendary icon who has found literally thousands of diamonds at Crater of Diamonds State Park, including an astounding 85 diamonds over one carat in weight. Marvel at the beginner's luck of Oklahoma state highway patrolman Marvin Culver, who attended the park's introductory course "Diamond Mining 101" on his family's first visit to the park and then found a flawless, 4.21 carat golden canary diamond after washing just one and a half buckets of lamproite.

The Uncle Sam, the largest diamond ever found in the United States, is an Arkansas diamond. The 40.23 carat, pinkish-white Uncle Sam was recovered during Arkansas Diamond Corporation operations preceeding the purchase of the Crater of Diamonds by the State of Arkansas in 1972 for development as a state park. The 3.03 carat Strawn-Wagner Diamond was found at the Crater of Diamonds State Park in 1990. After being cut, the Strawn-Wagner Diamond is the most perfect diamond ever certified by the the American Gem Society, receiving a perfect grade of O/O/O (Ideal cut/D color/ Flawless), or "Triple Zero," the highest grade a diamond can achieve. Did you know that over 25,000 diamonds have been found by diggers and visitors to Crater of Diamonds State Park since it was established, with over 740 of those exceeding a carat in weight? Over 1000 diamonds were found by visitors to Crater of Diamonds State Park in 2007. If you are planning to visit and try your own luck at Crater of Diamonds State Park, or are simply interested in the geology and history behind diamonds and diamond mining in Arkansas, Genuine Diamonds Found In Arkansas is a highly recommended book that belongs in your personal library.

In Jade, Fred Ward presents the history and lore of jade. Chapters include In the Beginning, China and the Stone of Heaven, The Olmec, Maya and Aztec in Mesoamerica, The Maori in New Zealand, Jade today in Burma, China, Canada, New Zealand, Guatemala, Russia and the United States, and Buying and Caring for Jade. Any reader with an interest in gemstones and jade will appreciate this beautifully illustrated book. Soft cover, 6" x 9", 64 pages.

This absorbing and often astonishing history of legendary gems is told with style and wit by expert gemologist Eric Bruton. Amid legends and intrigue are hard facts about gems - classification, valuation and engraving. Prospecting and mining details, plus the inside and sometimes sordid stories of how enormous stones were cut and dispersed in great secrecy, make this book a must for the gem fancier, collector, gemologist and jeweler. Much of the background for Legendary Gems or Gems that Made History was gleaned first hand by Bruton in the gem mines of India, Africa, Asia and South America. Hard Cover, 7" x 9.5", 239 pages.

In Opals, Fred Ward presents the history and lore of Opal. Chapters include History and Lore, Black Opal, Boulder Opal, Light Opal, Crystals and Fossils, Mexican Opal, Assembled Opals, Synthetics, and Simulants, Buying and Caring for Opal, and Play-of-Color. Any reader with an interest in gemstones and opals will appreciate this lavishly illustrated book.

In Pearls, Fred Ward presents the history and lore of pearls. Chapters include History and Lore, Natural Pearls, Cultured Saltwater Pearls, Cultured Freshwater Pearls, Mother-of-Pearl and Shell Products, Imitation Pearls, Buying and Caring for Pearls, and Determining Pearl Quality. Any reader with an interest in gemstones and pearls will appreciate this lavishly illustrated book.

In Rubies and Sapphires, Fred Ward presents the history and lore of rubies and sapphires. Chapters include History and Lore, The Hunt for Treasure, Romancing the Stone, Jewels and Artifacts, Lab-Grown Corundum and Stimulants, and Buying and Caring for Rubies & Sapphires. Any reader with an interest in gemstones and rubies and sapphires will appreciate this lavishly illustrated book.

It took 5,000 years, but glory hallelujah, at last a book about gemstones that puts the customer in the driver's seat. Whether you are a jeweler, collector, dealer or just plain jewelry lover, you will learn the true principles of connoissership, criteria that have, until now, been the exclusive property of a chosen few. Over 100 color photographs including some of the world's rarest and most costly gems including the Hope Diamond, the Dresden Green Diamond, the Caplan Ruby and the Rockefeller Sapphire. Major Sections include Becoming a Connoisseur, A New List of Precious Gemstones, and detailed discussions and photographs of Alexandrite, Amethyst, the Beryl Family, Chalcedonies, the Garnet Group, the World of Pearls, Ruby and Sapphire, Opal, Tourmaline, Fancy Color Diamonds, Lapis Lazuli and Spinel. This book is sure to be appreciated by anyone with an interest in gems and gemstones. Highly recommended. Hard Cover, 8" x 12", 273 pages.

The Spectroscope and Gemmology is the first book devoted exclusively to the spectroscope and its use in gemstone identification. Until 1933 the refractometer and microscope were the two principle tools in gem testing. Then B.W. Anderson introduced the hand spectroscope which quickly became the third vital instrument for the UK gemmologist. The publication of Anderson's papers in the mid -1950s alerted gem laboratories world wide to the importance of this instrument. Today its use is universal.

Anderson and his life long colleague, Payne, both of the world's first full-time gemmological laboratory, were the pioneers in recognizing the vast potential of the spectroscope for this purpose. The Spectroscope and Gemmology, as the extensively edited, updated and enlarged version of Anderson's original papers, provides a vital textbook wherever gemmology is used or taught. The distinguished gemmologist R. Keith Mitchell has undertaken the editing and has added chapters on the Pye spectrophotometer and on lasers. He has also reproduced new line drawings of spectra in three aspects to accommodate the prism instrument in both the British version and that favored by American gemmologists, and in another version as seen through the diffraction grating instrument.

Written for gemmologists everywhere and incorporating the latest developments this book will prove indispensable to all engaged in gemstone identification. The Spectroscope and Gemmology is organized into two major sections, The History and Development of Spectroscopy and Absorption of Gem Materials. A 5 page appendix provides references and notes. The History and Development of Spectroscopy covers 'The Celebrated Phenomena of Colours', The Yellow Lines of Sodium, The Absorption Spectra of Solids, Other Uses of the Spectroscope, Emission Spectra, The Quartz Spectrograph and The Spectrophotometer.

Absorption of Gem Materials covers Absorption Spectra, Light Sources - The Causes of Color, Absorption and Fluorescent Spectrum of Ruby, Absorption and Fluorescent Spectrum of Red Spinel, Absorption Spectra of Pyrope and Topaz, Absorption Spectrum of Emerald, Absorption Spectrum of Alexandrite, Absorption Spectrum of Jadeite, Absorption Spectrum of Demantoid Garnet, Other Chromium Spectra, Absorption Spectrum of Almandine Garnet, Absorption Spectrum of Blue Spinel, Absorption Spectra of Peridot and Sinhalite, Absorption Spectra of Enstatite and Diopside, Absorption Spectra of Kornerupine and Axinite, Absorption Spectra of Absorption Spectra of Green Tourmaline and Iolite, Absorption Spectra of Idocrase, Actinolite and Serpentine, Absorption Spectra of Sapphire and Chrysoberyl, Absorption Spectra of Aquamarine and Orthoclase: Spodumene and Jadite, Absorption Spectra of Andradite and Epidote, Absorption Spectra due to Manganese, Absorption Spectra due to Cobalt and Vanadium, Absorption Spectra due to Copper: The Spectrum of Turquoise, Absorption Spectra of Zircon, The Rare Earth Elements, Absorption Spectra of Diamond, Miscellaneous Spectra, Absorption in Synthetic Gemstones, Absorption Spectra of Glasses, Fluorescence Spectra, and Summary of Absorption Spectra.

Explore the fascinating story of turquoise, its history from ancient times to the present, and the influence of native artists in making this gemstone part of popular culture in America. Lavishly illustrated with over 390 dazzling color images, this book shows turquoise from New Mexico to Nevada, China to Iran, and all the important localities in between, in its natural state, cut, polished and set into silver and gold jewelry. Detailed text discusses its values and many mines that have relinquished turquoise over thousands of years. This comprehensive guide introduces more information on turquoise than you have ever anticipated or seen before.

Chapter 1. The Mineral, describes turquoise as a mineral, the history of turquoise mining and trade in antiquity, and its spiritual significance in Native American cultures. Chapter 2. Gem of Beauty, explains grades and treatments of turquoise, and how turquoise is valued. Criteria are presented for classifying turquoise as very high grade, high grade, jewelry grade, good grade and chalk or bulk grade. Chapter 3. Countries of Origin, provides an overview and discusses historic and contemporary sources of turquoise.

Chapter 4. Turquoise Mines, Mineral & Wearable Art is by far most extensive chapter in Turquoise, presenting a lavishly illustrated 132 page photo gallery of rough and cut turquoise from numerous localities including Bisbee, Blue Gem, Blue Jay, Candelaria, Carico Lake, Castle Dome, Cerrillos, China, Cripple Creek, Damele, Dry Creek, Easter Blue, Emerald Valley, Fox, Godber and Burnham, Hachita, Indian Mountain, Kingman, Lander Blue, Lone Mountain, Manassa, Mojave, Morenci, Number 8, Orvil Jack, Paiute, Persia, Peru, Red Mountain, Royston, Sleeping Beauty, Stennich, Stormy Mountain, Timberline, Turquoise Mountain, and Tyrone. Many of the photos illustrate the turquoise as cut and polished stones incorporated in outstanding examples of Native American jewelry. Hundreds of the illustrative pieces incorporate current price guides useful to anyone involved in appraising and valuing turquoise stones and jewelry. A glossary, bibliography and index are also included.

Whether you are a turquoise fancier and appreciator, turquoise or Navtive American jewlery collector, or a jewelry maker interested in turquoise and Native American styles and techniques, Turquoise is a must-have working reference and dream book for your personal library.

Turquoise and the Navajo introduces the Navajo and his turquoise to the layman in non-technical language. This work is a sketch of the Navajo people; a picture more than a chronology. The emphasis is placed heavily on the part that turquoise has historically played in both the spiritual and the everyday aspects of Navajo lives. Soft cover, 6" x 9", 34 pages.

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Turquoise Unearthed
An Illustrated Guide
by Joe Dan Lowry and Joe P. Lowry
Soft cover, 9" x 6", 74 pages, copyright 2002.
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Turquoise Unearthed showcases exquisite examples of rough and polished natural turquoise from more than twenty famous "classic" mines, including Lander Blue, Number 8, Brisbane, and Lone Mountain. Appealing to rock hounds and serious collectors alike, Turquoise Unearthed is a definitive, contemporary visual guide.

Here, too, are spectacular works by modern jewelers, along with fascinating ancient and historic Native Americian turquoise jewelry and cremeonial objects. Chapters include: Turquoise: The Sky Stone, Working With Turquoise, Buying Turquoise, Classic Southwestern Turquoise Mines, and Museums And Collections. An index and appendix of recommended reading is also presented.

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World of Gemstones
by Rudolf Duda and Lubos Rejl
Hard cover, 5.5" x 8", 191 pages, copyright 1996
Sample page
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Gemstones have a magical life of their own. Passed on from generation to generation, they are silent witnesses of the distant past...

Here in 260 vivid color photographs are over 80 species and varieties of gemstones from across the world - In their natural shapes, cut and mounted in jewelry. Included are not only the classic gemstones and precious metals, but also many recently discovered stones, others made by living things - pearls, amber, and coral - and even some common rocks, whose uniqueness stands out only after they have been cut and polished. Read about their origin and properties, their history, astrology and legendary healing powers - and you might find a gemstone that could change your life!

World of Gemstones is organized into three major sections. The introductory section provides basic information about gemstones and their properties, as well as how to identify, process, and care for them. It explains physical and chemical terms, host rocks and occurrences, treatment, different methods of processing, and problems with the care of gemstones; it also touches on their reputed healing effects. Supplied with useful illustrations, the main part of the book serves as a monograph on gemstones. Particular properties are grouped together so that readers can identify gemstones directly, either by visual observation or with simple laboratory tests. The final part includes additional information, a list of recommended reading, and an index.

Contents include: Definition of the Term Gemstone; Names of Gemstones, Chemical Formulas, Visually Observable Properties; Properties Determined Using Simple Instruments or Tools; Treatment; History of Gemstones; Astrology and Gemstone Healing; Host Rocks and Occurrences; Processing; Identification; Imitations; Care of Gemstones; Gemstones Illustrated; Rare Gemstones and Synthetic and Imitation Gemstones.

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Bead Work Buyer's Guides Casting Chain Making Collecting Guides

Designs & Patterns Faceting Fossils Gemstones Geology and Earth Science

Gold & Mining Jewelry Making Lapidary Rocks & Minerals Rockpups

Smithing Stone Setting Videos Wire Work

Table of Contents

Bob Keller