Beryl in its many color varieties is a favorite of both mineral collectors and gemologists. Superb examples are found at many locales worldwide, mainly in pegmatites and schists. Other members of the group are prized by species collectors and micromount enthusiasts. This book explains how beryl is formed and the unique conditions that create fine aquamarines and emeralds. After a brief introduction, the general treatment begins with an explanation of the chemistry and taxonomy of the group. A section on their formation and geochemistry explains the kinds of environments where beryls are formed. Detailed entries for each mineral provide locality information and full-color photos so that collectors can see what good specimens look like and which minerals one might expect to find in association with them. An extensive bibliography is provided for further study. Over 100 photographs of these beautiful minerals show each species in its geological context.

Among rock-forming minerals, the colorful tourmaline group is a favorite of both mineral collectors and gemologists. Superb examples are found at many locales worldwide, and in diverse geological settings from pegmatites to schists. Over 120 clear, crisp photos show each mineral in its geological context. This book will help mineral and gem collectors understand tourmaline mineralogy and see how changes in nomenclature reflect our evolving understanding of the group. The text explains the chemistry and taxonomy of the group, the environment in which tourmalines form, provides a detailed entry for each mineral including locality information and full-color photos wherever possible so that collectors can see what good specimens look like and which minerals one might expect to find in association with them. An extensive bibliography is provided for readers who wish to learn more. Every serious mineralogist, gemologist, and rock hound will need this book.

This book contains classic material dating back to the 1900s and before. The content has been carefully selected for its interest and relevance to a modern audience. Carefully selecting the best articles from our collection we have compiled a series of historical and informative publications on the subjects of gemology and crystallography. The titles in this range include "Gemstone Manufacturing" "The Optical Properties of Gemstones and Crystals" "The Thirty-Two Classes of Crystal Symmetry" and many more. Each publication has been professionally curated and includes all details on the original source material. This particular instalment, "Beryl Gemstones" contains information on their properties, origins, varieties and much more. Intended to illustrate the main features of beryl it is a comprehensive guide for anyone wishing to obtain a general knowledge of the subject and to understand the field in its historical context. We are republishing these classic works in affordable, high quality, modern editions, using the original text and artwork.

A guide to the identification, structure, and uses of precious and semi-precious stones, novelty stones, agates, and crystals.

With the tremendous growth of population in this and neighboring states, there are more collectors than ever before and with the rapidly escalating prices for mineral and fossil specimens in the retail market, there is a great demand for displayable material. It has become necessary for professional geologists, hobby collectors, and commercial collectors to recognize each others existence and to try to work together within a framework of regulation, courtesy, and common sense so that material of scientific value is not lost and undue restrictions are not placed upon collecting. There is a continuing need for collectors and professionals to work together with resource managers and legislators to develop workable laws and rules affecting the collecting of minerals and fossils. This publication contains details information about collecting areas, divided by county to make for ease of use. Each collecting area contains information about the minerals, rocks, or fossils present, map recommendations, and other helpful tips on getting to the sites.

Quartz is prized by both mineral collectors and lapidary artists. Over 130 vivid photographs of these beautiful minerals are presented to show each mineral in its geological context. Superb examples are found in diverse geological settings from pegmatites to Alpine clefts and hydrothermal veins. The silica minerals are chemically simple, yet structurally complicated. Several high temperature and high pressure polymorphs are known. In addition to the polymorphs of silica, this book treats related minerals, including: lechatelierite, opal, and two natural clathrates, chibaite and melanophlogite. After a brief introduction, the general treatment explains the chemistry and taxonomy of the group. A section on their formation and geochemistry describes the kinds of environments where these minerals are formed. Then, entries for each mineral provide locality information and full-color photos so that collectors can see what good specimens look like and which minerals one might expect to find in association with them. An extensive bibliography is also provided.

Unlike the dense and highly technical academic tomes that are text-heavy, poorly organized and intimidating, this colorful and easy-to-use reference guide dedicated to collecting rocks, gems and minerals is ideal for readers who want to expand their understanding without getting lost in a labyrinth of science. Beautifully illustrated with 700 color photographs providing wonderful detail and smartly organized to take the hassle out identification, you will enjoy the simplicity of the guide and the enthusiasm and knowledge of author Patti Polk, one of the top agate collectors in the world and a self-proclaimed "rockhound." You will also enjoy two areas that our competitors don't bother with. First it includes values, and second, it covers an introduction to lapidary, which is the cutting and polishing of rocks and gemstones for jewelry or display.