Books in Rocks, Minerals and Gemstones series

With a million copies in print, here comes an even larger, more up-to-date version of the most complete reference book ever published on the subject. All the gemstones ever discovered are treated in their many variations. More than 1,500 full-color photos showcase each precious and semiprecious stone in all its singular glory--in both its rough natural state and its polished and cut renditions. Each entry offers complete information on a gemstone's formation and structure, physical properties and characteristics, methods of working, cutting, and polishing. Learn about the best known, including amethyst and diamond. Find full treatments of lesser-known gems, from andalusite to vesuvian. A special section is devoted to rocks as precious stones, including alabaster, onyx, obsidian, and fossils. Organic gem materials are also covered, such as coral, ivory, amber, and pearl, plus new on the market stones like charcoite. Everything is covered, including imitations, synthetics, and combined stones. Charts and tables help you identify unknown gemstones and, when you're in the market, how to check for genuineness. This is truly the ultimate one-volume book every hobbyist, jeweler, jewelry maker and rockhound will ever need!"Invaluable to rockhounds of all ages."--Science Teacher."One of the 100 outstanding Sci-Tech books of the year."--Library Journal."Anyone interested in minerals and gems will want a copy of this beautifully-illustrated book."--Science Books & Films.

Breathtaking color photographs, especially commissioned and in a fresh new layout that's completely revised from earlier editions, capture the glistening beauty of gemstones from around the world--stones used for jewelry and magical rites as far back as 20,000 years ago. This feast for the eyes shows uncut stones and gems in their natural state, details how they are formed and mined, and also includes such exquisite jewel-adorned creations as a Spanish Renaissance pendant with Columbian emeralds, the Black Prince's ruby set in the British Imperial State Crown; a Mayan jadeite mask, and the Koh-i-Noor diamond. For a full understanding of their fascination, look beyond their visible magnificence to the gems' structure and physical attributes. Besides the most popular gemstones, you'll find fascinating descriptions of common imitations and synthetics--and advice on distinguishing the real from the fake. Note: This book is published in cooperation with the prestigious The Natural History Museum.

How did the Grand Canyon get so deep? Do you know what kind of rocks erodes most quickly? What items in your classroom do you think are made from sedimentary rocks? Read ‘Sedimentary Rocks’ to find the answers to these questions and many more. You'll also find a hands-on activity to try at home or at school, as well as a glossary of unfamiliar words, resources to help you locate additional information, and a useful index.