Gems And Gemmology

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.

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.

The rapid growth of gemological sciences and mineralogy demands a dictionary such as this for gemologists, mineralogists, geologists, jewel dealers, industry and hobbyists. With some 16,000 comprehensive definitions, supplemented by more than 250 diagrams and figures, this is a one-stop reference to any matter dealing with gems and gemology.

Gemmology is a text for students preparing for the Gemmological Association's Preliminary and Diploma examinations. The book is more expansive and up-to-date than the author's earlier book, Beginner's Guide to Gemmology. The book deals with the practical and theoretical sides of gemmology. Tracing the background and science of gemmology, the book covers the gem material, geological formation, and occurrence of gemstones on the earth. The composition of gemstones from the atoms, elements, molecules, and compounds comprising them is analyzed, and the relationship between chemical composition and durability of the stone is explained. The basics of crystallography is mentioned as a tool toward understanding gemmology after which cleavage, parting, and fracture are done. A gemstone's durability and hardness and how the latter influences engineering tests and the mining techniques are compared. An important test technique to identify unmounted stones is the measure of specific gravity using displacement measurement methods and hydrostatic methods. After more descriptive details are given in identification of gemstones, whether these are synthetic or simulants, through a comprehensive explanation of the materials found in these other gemstones, the fashioning, through shaping or polishing, of gemstones is explained. Emphasis is given on the critical angle in which light rays pass in different rock densities, and then the cutting styles, gemstone polishing, and grading are discussed. Students studying for the Gemmological Association's Preliminary and Diploma examinations, jewelers, lapidarists, and diamond cutters, as well as those engaged in the hobby of gemmology, will find this book helpful and full of information toward their endeavors and hobbies.

Beginner's Guide to Gemmology presents the profiles of the principal gem materials. This book discusses the interesting characteristics of gemstones as the growing consumer market jewelry resulted in increased sales of gem testing instruments. Organized into 12 chapters, this book begins with an overview of the development of the science of gemmology. This text then explains the fundamental qualities necessary in a gem, including color, hardness, specific gravity, crystallography, refractive index, pleochroism, critical angle, luminescence, and absorption spectra. Other chapters consider the organic gem materials, including amber, ivory, coral, tortoiseshell, jet, ebony, and pearl. This book discusses as well the various methods used in the production of man-made gemstones and the commercial use in gem testing. The final chapter deals with the composition of synthetic gemstones. This book is a valuable resource for gemmologists and jewelers. Students who intend to become a qualified gemologist will also find this book extremely useful.

Contents include the history and development of spectroscopy; a discussion of the nature of absorption spectra and the absorption spectra of solids and gem minerals; the many uses of the spectroscope and the spectrophotometer; light sources and the causes of color; absorption in synthetic gemstones; and more. Written for gemologists everywhere and incorporating the latest developments, The Spectroscope and Gemmology is an indispensable textbook for professional and amateur gemologists and students of gemology.

Popular Gemmology constitutes a definitive guide on many aspects of gemmology, covering a wide range of natural and manufactured gems, their taxonomy, and the methods in which they are machined. The perfect book for both the amateur and professional, this text presents in an accessible manner for the general reader accurate knowledge of the world of gems, designed for the gem-lover, mineral collector, jeweller, and the lapidary. The sections of this book are divided according to the major style of cutting most appropriate for each gem, with chapters including: The Lure of Gems, Recognising Gems, Faceted Gems, Cabochen and Carved Gems, Gems of the Silica Group, Gems and Genealogy, Man-made Gems, and Luminescent Gems. This scarce book has been elected for modern republication because of its educational value, and is proudly republished here complete with its original illustrations and a new introduction to the subject.