Guide to Gems: Illustrated Guide to the Identification, Properties and Use of Gemstones

by Cally Oldershaw

Book Overview

A reference guide to gems, semi-precious stones and crystals. Gemstones and crystals are used for jewelry, industry, lasers and precision technology. Firefly Guide to Gems is a practical, compact... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1552978141
• ISBN13: 9781552978146
• Release Date: January 2009
• Publisher: Firefly Books
• Length: 224 Pages
• Weight: 0.78 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.6" x 5.1" x 7.7"

Customer Reviews

Excellent Book

I was very impressed with the detail and content of this book. I own 30 plus books on gems and minerals and consider this one to be a great source of information. I highly recommend this book to anyone who has a real interest in learning about gemstones.

My favorite gem book

As a gem stone collector, this is my favorite little book. It has the refractive indices for all the stones, specific gravity. etc.. If you are starting a gem stone collection, this is the best book to start with. L. Ratte' Nashville TN

Excellent illustrations, very informative.

Color illustrations are terrific. Makes one want to dive into the world of gemstones. The only thing I didn't like about the book was that the writing was way too small. The print needed to be a lot bigger for those of us who need it. Otherwise, great book.

Gemsone Identifications

I feel this is an excellent book to purchase now in learning as beginners, to identify gemstones. It is in color and has a lot of detailed information on each gemstone. I highly think you need this book in the beginning in identifying gemstones.

A rich and thoroughly "user friendly" field guide

Cally Oldershaw's Guide To Gems is provides a rich and thoroughly "user friendly" field guide to the identification and use of gemstones provides even the most novice beginner with a fine introduction to not only identification, but the chemistry and geological properties of gems. Over a hundred varieties of gemstones accompany over 850 photos and 50 drawings, making for a colorful treasure trove in and of itself.