This vintage book contains an interesting and practical study of the identification of gemstones, pearls, and ornamental minerals. A comprehensive and profusely-illustrated handbook for both novice and experienced practitioners, this volume is not to be missed by anyone with a keen interest in the subject. The chapters of this book include: “Crystallography”, “Physical Properties”, “Specific Gravity”, “Light”, “Measurement of Refractive Index”, “Colour in Gem Distinction”, “The Microscope”, “The Gem Species”, “Synthetic Gems”, “Imitation Gems”, “Composite Stones and Artificially Induced Colour”, etcetera. This book is being republished now in an affordable, modern, high quality edition - complete with a specially commissioned new introduction on gemmology.

This edition has been completely revised to cover the latest methods of gem enhancement and identification, as well as the most up-to-date test instruments and laboratory techniques.

Although suitable for readers of all levels of understanding, 'Practical Gemmology' is specifically tailored to provide the information and diagrams necessary for the successful completion of diploma examinations and is an invaluable tool for gemmology students.

This book provides a lucid introduction to the basics of gemmology. It familiarizes archaeologists, art historians and conservators with the science of gemstones and allows them to understand the basic concepts of their provenance, typology and treatments. Which are the main types of gems? What treatments can be applied? How does one analyse gems? How can gems contribute to archaeometrical research? This volume is written by four experts in the fields of gemmology and archaeometry and addresses both students who need an introduction to this field and professionals who want to refresh their knowledge of the topic. This work is part of a series of introductory texts that deal with a broad range of materials-related topics in archaeometry.

Gemmological Instruments deals with the developments in diamond grading equipment and gem testing instruments since the publication of the first edition in 1978. These developments include improvements in the versatility and styling of existing instruments such as the reflectivity meter, the composite spectroscope, and the refractometer. It also addresses the criticisms in the first edition and provides a discussion of the advantages and disadvantages of different gem testing equipment. This book is organized into 16 chapters that describe groundbreaking instruments like the thermal conductivity diamond testers and home-constructed items that while innovative have not yet been commercialized. There are also chapters dealing with microphotography and identification of synthetics and stimulants. This book also provides a listing of gemstone constants and characteristic inclusions in natural and synthetic gemstones. This book will be of interest to people interested in equipment for gem testing and diamond grading.