Identification of gemstones

Abstract

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. * Learn how to put the theory of identification into practice with this accessible guide* 60 full colour photographs to illustrate identifying features* Chapter summaries and companion website support provide easy understanding and reference.

Contents

26. Metals and ceramics -- 27. Plastics -- 28. Composite stones: doublets, triplets and soude stones -- 29. Less common gemstones -- 30. Rarely fashioned species -- 31. Gemstones in their rough state -- 32. How crystals are grown -- 33. Synthetic crystals for the collector -- 34. The enhancement of gemstones -- 35. Locality information. 1. Gem testing: some disappointments, instruments and techniques -- 2. Diamond -- 3. Ruby and sapphire: the corundum gemstones -- 4. Emerald, aquamarine and the beryl group of gemstones -- 5. Opal -- 6. Quartz -- 7. The jade minerals -- 8. Chrysoberyl: alexandrite, cat's-eye and other varieties -- 9. Topaz -- 10 Tourmaline -- 11. The garnet group of gemstones -- 12. Spinel -- 13. Peridot -- 14. Zircon -- 15. Moonstone and the feldspar minerals -- 16. Rhodochrosite, tanzanite and rhodonite -- 17. Turquoise -- 18. Lapis-lazuli -- 19. Pearl -- 20. Amber -- 21. Ivory -- 22. Jet -- 23. Coral -- 24 Shell -- 25. Natural and artificial glass.