Identification of gemstones

A comprehensive reference guide to gem and ornamental materials, this book deals with each gem species, outlining all the features a gem tester has to know before making an identification. The experienced author team describe not only each natural gem species, but also their synthetic counterparts, and the materials used as imitations, demonstrating how to avoid potentially costly mistakes. End of chapter summaries, details of further reading, and the companion web site combine to provide all the support needed by professional gemmologists, antique and gemstone dealers, jewellers and students.

Preface, Acknowledgements, Gem testing, Diamond, Ruby and Sapphire, Emerald, Aquamarine and the Beryl Group, Opal, Quartz, The Jade minerals, Chrysoberyl, Topaz, Tourmaline, The Garnet group, Spinel, Peridot, Zircon, Moonstone, Rhodochrosite,Tanzanite and Rhodonite, Turquoise, Lapis Lazuli, Pearl, Amber, Ivory, Jet, Coral, Shell, Glass, Metals and ceramics, Plastics, Composite gems, Less common gemstones, Rarely fashioned species, Gemstones in their rough state, How crystals are grown, Synthetic crystals for the collector, Locality Information, Glossary, The literature of gemstone identification, Index

Gemmology students and professionals, jewellers, gemstone dealers and collectors

'Michael O'Donoghue and Louise Joyner are to be congratulated on authoring this innovative identification manual for gemstones, gem materials, their synthetics and their imitations.Purchase of this manual of gem identification is recommended to all students of gemmology. Practical gemmology will be well served by this publication.'The Australian Gemmologist'the authors have produced a work of reference that is packed with a mass of determinative information... use of both the contents page and the index will quickly reveal a wealth of material to aid specific identification problems'.Journal of Gemmology 2003