References for Rockhounds Gemstones ( BOOKS

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Agates
Treasures of the Earth
by Roger Pabian, Brian Jackson, Peter Tandy and John Cromartie
Hard cover, 8.5" x 6", 184 pages, copyright 2006.
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Sample Page Sample Page Sample Page Whether you are a seasoned expert or just beginning your collection, Agates is an indispensable resource to the rich geological and cultural significance of these beautiful stones. With beautiful and lavish color photographs of stunning agates from cover to cover, this book includes an illustrated and comprehensive identification guide to the different varieties of agates from around the world.
Chapters include Introduction, Names of Agates, What is an Agate?, Properties of Agates, Sources of Agates, Lapidary, Uses of Agates Through the Ages, and Collecting. An extensive bibliography provides references to further information on agates and agate localities, and a glossary and index are included.
Among the general types of wall-banded agates described and illustrated are agatised corals, agatised woods, calico agates, dendritic agates, disc and ovoid bearing agates, eye agates, faulted and brecciated agates, flame agates, fortification agates, iris or rainbow agates, jasp agates, lace agates, mocha agates, moss agates, plume agates, sagenitic agates, stalactitic agates, and tube agates. Among the general types of level-banded agates described and illustrated are landscape or scenic onyx, onyx, plynthoid onyx, sard onyx, thunder eggs and wave onyx. Other general types of chalcedony described and illustrated include bloodstone, carnelian, chert, chrysoprase, flint, jasper, plasma, prase and sard.
Among the worldwide localities and sources for agates discussed are Europe, Britain, the USA, Canada, Mexico, South America, Africa, Asia and Australia. The numerous varieties of agates described and illustrated from US localities alone include Guernsey Lake agates, Tepee Canyon agates, Fairburn agates, Union Road agates, Lysite agates, Sweetwater agates, Lake Superior agates, Tampa Bay agatised corals, Calf Killer agates, Horse Mountain agates, Nipomo (bean field) agates, Lavic agates, Horse Canyon agates, Paisley agates, Paul Bunyon agates, Siam agates, Wingate agates, China Lake agates, Owl Hole Lake agates, Burro Creek agates, Bull Canyon agates, Dugway agates, Pigeon Blood agates, Deming agates, Woodward Ranch agates, Rio Grande agates, Montana agates, Succor Creek agates, Graveyard point agates, Regency Rose agates, Beacon Hill agates, Richardson Ranch thunder eggs, Priday plume agates, Frieda thunder eggs, Eagle Rock agates, Antelope agates, Big Muddy Ranch agates, Deschutes River thunder eggs, Buchanan thunder eggs, Succor Creek agates, Rattle Snake eggs, Trent sagenite, Holley blue agate, Oregon Beach agates, Copco agates, Sweet Home agates, Thistle Creek agates, and others.

Agates is a profusely illustrated and expertly researched and written reference and no-brainer addition to the personal library of any agate collector or appreciator of these beautiful and unique gemstones.

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Amber
Window to the Past
by David A. Grimalsi The unique properties of amber (fossilized tree resin) have long intrigued many people and never more so than now, in the wake of Michael Chriton's fictional Jurassic Park and real scientific breakthroughs in achieving what Chriton theorized: the cloning of an ancient DNA sequence of amber. Originally published to accompany the hugely popular 1996 exhibition organized by the American Museum of Natural History in New York, Amber: Window to the Past explores thoroughly the various aspects of this remarkable material, from its part in delineating evolutionary history, through the study of folklore surrounding it, to is use in decorative arts and jewelry. The 230 gorgeous and amazingly varied photographs and drawings, 115 in color and never before published, vividly illuminate the roles of amber in both nature and art. This engrossing and readable book will delight lovers of science, history and art as well as anyone intrigued by stories of how we and our world have evolved. Soft cover, 9" x 11", 216 pages.

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The Amber Book
by Ake Dahlstrom and Leif Brost Amber has been one of humankind's favorite decorations and personal adornments throughout the ages. People have always been attracted to and fascinated by these beautiful fossil resins that may contain trapped insects and plants from an earlier geologic time. The Amber Book explains how amber is formed and describes its geologic setting in the Baltic region and elsewhere. The authors explore the role amber plays in the folklore of many cultures, and provide practical advice on how to care for amber jewelry, how to use it for lapidary purposes, and how to detect fake amber. Profusely illustrated, The Amber Book is a basic source of knowledge for anyone who appreciates amber, including jewelry buyers and art collectors. Hard cover, 7" x 9", 134 pages.

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Beyond the Glitter
by Gerald L. Wykoff In these times of gem doctoring, underkarating, so called "50% off" sales - and buyer ignorance - Beyond the Glitter has been described as fast, readable, and a necessary gemological course for jewelry lovers. It covers all aspects of gems and jewelry. So, if you deal in gems and jewelry - or merely wish to appreciate jewelry more - this book will enable you to deal competently and confidently in that glittering arena where knowledge pays off and the lack of it pays out. Major topics cover include gemstone history and lore, gem care, gem enhancement, synthetic gems, precious metals, diamonds, colored stones, style, precious gems and gemstone expertise. Hard cover, 6" x 9", 206 pages.

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Descriptions of Gem Materials
Third Edition Revised by Glenn and Martha Vargas
Soft cover, 8.5" x 11", 159 pages, copyright 2006
Sample page Descriptions of Gem Materials is a complete reference on natural and man-made gem materials for gem cutters, gemologists and all others with an interest in gemstones. It provides a basis for gem identification and prepares the cutter for what may be expected when cabbing, carving or faceting a particular material. It covers the physical and optical properties for 346 distinct natural minerals and 56 man-made gems, more than 550 gem materials in all. Included are complete sets of tables for hardness, specific gravity and refractive index and information on common inclusions for each mineral. A complete list of varietal, alternate and incorrect names is presented and the pronunciation and derivation of gem names is provided.
Descriptions of Gem Materials is organized by eight major sections: Section 1 - Natural Gem Materials, Section 2 - Man-made Gem Materials, Section 3 - Table of Hardness, Section 4 - Table of Specific Gravity, Section 5 - Table of Refractive Index, Section 6 - Glossary of Important Geological Terms, Section 7 - Index of Alternate, Varietal and Incorrect Names, and Section 8 - Bibliography of Selected References.

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Diamonds
by Fred Ward Carat for carat, fine diamonds are among the most desirable and expensive items on Earth. Diamonds provide the standard of price, beauty and value against which all other gemstones are measured. More than unsurpassed in beauty and sparkle, no other gemstone has so many desirable attributes combined. In Diamonds, well known and authoritative gem and mineral author Fred Ward provides superb photos to illustrate his discussion of this gem. Chapters include History and Lore, The Hunt for Treasure, Romancing the Stone, Jewels and Artifacts, Synthetic and Industrial Diamonds, and Buying and Caring for Diamonds. Diamonds is sure to be appreciated by anyone with an interest in the history, lore and characteristics of this incomparable stone. Soft cover, 6" x 9", 64 pages.

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Emeralds
by Fred Ward Emeralds are the premier gems in the beryl family. For more than 4,000 years, emeralds have been among the most valuable of all jewels. In Emeralds, well known and authoritative gem and mineral author Fred Ward provides superb photos to illustrate his discussion of this gem. Chapters include History and Lore, The Hunt for Treasure, Romancing the Stone, Jewels and Artifacts, lab-Grown Emeralds and Imitations, and Buying and Caring for Emeralds. Emeralds is sure to be appreciated by anyone with an interest in the history, lore and characteristics of this precious stone. Soft cover, 6" x 9", 63 pages.

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Gem and Jewelry Pocket Guide
A Traveler's Guide to Buying Diamonds, Colored Gems, Pearls, Gold and Platinum Jewelry
by Renee Newman Get good value for your money by using the Gem and Jewelry Pocket Guide. You'll find out what to look for when buying gems and what questions to ask jewelers. You'll discover how gems are enhanced to make them appear better than they really are and how marketing terms are used to mislead you. You'll even learn how to avoaid hassles with customs.Soft cover, 4.5" x 7", 156 pages

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Gem Care
by Fred Ward
Soft cover, 6" x 9", 33 pages, copyright 2002
Sample page Glamour, intrigue, romance, the quest for treasure... those are all vital aspects of humankind's eternal search and love for gemstones. As long as people have roamed the world, the have placed extraordinary value on our incredible gifts from the land and sea. And once they found or purchased gems, the owners discovered their treasures lasted longer and looked more beautiful with proper care.
Gem Care offers simple, straight-forward, accurate information on the safest and easiest methods for wisely taking care of your gems and jewelry. Because gems have different characteristics, there is no single safe way to care for them. Much depends on the hardness of the gem, its toughness, and its susceptibility to heat, light, and acids. By using all the tips and sound advice in this book, your gems and jewelry should be safe and look like new for decades.
Specifically covered gemstones include alexandrite, amber, apatite, beryl (aquamarine, emerald, green beryl, heliodor, morganite, red beryl), chalcedony (agate, bloodstone, carnelian, chrysoprase, fire agate, jasper, moss agate, onyx, petrified wood, sardonyx), chrysoberyl, coral, cubic zirconia, diamond, diopside, garnet (almandite, demantoid, pyrope, rhodolite, spessartite, tsavorite, malaia), hematite, iolite, ivory, jade (jadeite, nephrite), kunzite, lapis lazuli, malachite, marcasite, moonstone, obsidian, opal (black, boulder, crystal, jelly, fire, white), pearl, pearl shell products (abalone, mabés, mother-of-pearl, shell), peridot, quartz (amethyst, ametrine, adventurine, citrine, rock crystal, rutilated quartz, tiger's eye), ruby, sapphire, spinel, tanzanite, topaz (blue, imperial, sherry), tourmaline (green, indicolite, parti-color, rubellite, watermelon), turquoise, and zircon.
The care of gold, platinum and silver is also discussed. If the information and advice authority Fred Ward presents in Gem Care saves you from making even one mistake in cleaning and caring for your gems and jewelry, you will most likely have saved yourself its modest cost many times over, or even prevented damaging a priceless family heirloom.

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Gem Identification Made Easy
A Hands-On Guide to More Confident Buying and Selling
by Antoinette L. Matlins and A.C. Bonanno
Soft cover, height 9" x 6", 330 pages, copyright 2003
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Sample page Gem Identification Made Easy is the first and only book that explains in non-technical terms how to identify diamonds and colored gems and separate them form imitations and look-alikes. The book's approach is direct and practical, and its style easy to understand. In fact, with this highly accessible guide, anyone can begin to master gem identification. Using a simple, step-by-step system, the authors explain the proper use of essential but uncomplicated instruments that will do the identification tasks, what to look for gemstone by gemstone, and how to set up a basic lab at modest cost.
Three of the instruments are inexpensive, portable, pocket instruments which, when used together, can identify almost 85% of all precious and popular stones. The key to avoiding costly mistakes and recognizing profitable opportunities is know both what to look for and what to look out for. Gem Identification Made Easy will help you: Open your eyes to the types of imitations, synthetics, look-alikes and fakes in the gem market today. Learn how to tell the difference between them. Quickly spots synthetics, including synthetic emeralds and diamonds, filled diamonds, diffused "blue" sapphires and "red" rubies, and much more. Discover how to identify new gems such as "red" emerald and "Mandarin" garnet. Know when to seek help from a professional gemologist or lab. Become more professional in you business or hobby.
The contents are organized into 16 major sections: (1) Before Beginning, (2) Setting Up the Lab, (3) Proper Lighting for Gem Identification, (4) The Loupe and Dark-Field Loupe, (5) The Chelsea Filter and Synthetic Emerald Filter, (6) The Dichroscope, (7) The Ultraviolet Lamp, (8) The Refractometer, (9) The Microscope, (10) The Spectroscope, (11) The Polariscope, (12) The Diamond-Type Spotter - Essential tool for Diamond Buyers, (13) The Immersion Cell, (14) The Electronic Diamond Tester, (15) The "Synthetic Diamond Detectors", and (16) Antique and Estate Jewelry - The True Test of Gem Identification Skill.
Covered in appendices are Gemstone Property Tables, Glossary, Recommended Reading, Laboratories That Provide Internationally Recognized Reports of Genuineness and Quality, Where to Go for Additional Gemological Training, International List of Gem Testing Laboratories and Gemologists, International List of Associations, and Gem Identification Suppliers.
The Gemstone Property Tables include: Frequently Encountered Transparent Gems by Color, Hardness of Popular Gems, Specific Gravity Table, Refractive Index Tables for Single and Double Refracting Gems, Table of Dispersion, and Table of Birefringence of Gemstones. Other tables include: Suggested Lighting for Gem Identification Instruments, Using the Synthetic Emerald Filter Set to Separate Natural Emerald from Synthetic, Colors Exhibited by Popular Dichroic and Trichroic Gems - by Gem Color, Colors Exhibited by Popular Dichroic and Trichroic Gems - by Gem Family, Gems That Show No Dichroism, Fluorescent Gemstone Chart, Use of Ultraviolet Examination for Separating "Look-Alikes", Phosphorescent Gemstone Chart, Refractive Index of Popular Single Refracting Gemstone Materials, Diamond Types and Which Ones Respond to HPHT Techniques, Diamond Reactions to the SSEF Diamond-Type Spotter, Liquids Used to Immerse Gems for Better Examination, and Synthetic Gemstones and Man-Made Imitations.

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Simon and Schuster's Guide to Gems and Precious Stones
by Curzio Cipriani and Alessandro Borelli
Soft cover, 4.5" x 7.5", 384 pages, copyright 1986
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Sample page Simon and Schuster's Guide to Gems and Precious Stones provides both the connoisseur and the casual collector with a compact, easy-to-use volume describing more than 100 rare varieties minerals whose beauty and mystery have possessed our imaginations from time immemorial. More than 450 brilliant photographs accompany profiles of each gem, covering such aspects as appearance, physical properties - density, hardness, refraction - occurence, and how to judge quality and value. Additional sections describe the process of cutting gemstones and the techniques professional geologists use to evaluate the stone's weight and optical properties.
Simon and Schuster's Guide to Gems and Precious Stones is organized into three major sections: Natual Stones and Gems, Organic Gems, and Synthetic and Artifical Products. Detailed and comprehensive, this book is essential for anyone interested in the study of gems and precious stones.

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Gemstones
by Cally Oldershaw, Christine Woodward and Roger Harding What lies beneath the breathtaking beauty of the gemstones we see in jewelry shop windows, marvel at museums, and adorn ourselves with? Take a look at why they impart an aura of exclusiveness and worth that increases our desire to possess them as you admire the most popular and lesser known types in dazzling color photographs, many new to this edition. Examine uncut stones and gems in their natural state, find out how they are formed and mined, know how to distinguish the real from the fake, and inspect their structure and physical attributes. Among the exquisite examples you'll see are a Spanish Renaissance pendant with Columbian emeralds, a Mayan jadeite mask, and the Koh-i-Noor diamond. This feast for the eyes gives you entry into the alluring world of the rare and valuable. Soft cover, 8" x 8", 76 pages.

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Gemstones of North America
by John Sinkankas
Hard cover, 10" x 7.5", 675 pages, copyright 1959.
Preface Preface
Table of Contents Table of Contents
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Sample Page: Variscite Sample Page: Variscite Sample Page: Variscite Gemstones of North America provides the most authoritative and comprehensive reference ever published on North American gemstones and localities. The principal emphasis is laid upon what gemstones are to be found in North America, their properties and appearance, and where and in what quantity and quality they occur. 176 drawings, diagrams, maps, photographs and color plates serve to illustrate and enhance the text. Assembled in this book are those facts which will be most useful to students, collectors and connoisseurs of gems, museums, and of course to the host of jewelry makers whose interest in native gemstones encourages the development of gemstone resources. John Sinkankas authored this reference for scientifically minded readers. Held to a minimum are aspects of curious lore involving superstitions, alleged medicinal properties and other exotic attributes of gems.
Gemstones of North America is organized into seven major chapters. The first chapter deals with the essential nature of gemstones and discusses the essential physical properties and features which make gemstones objects of beauty. Technical terms and gemstone terminology employed throughout the remainder of the book are explained for the average reader lacking formal education in mineralogy and the Earth sciences. Succeeding chapters take up individual gemstone species. The major scientific aspects of each are covered, especially in connection with varieties that yield gemstones. Every species discussion begins with a brief explanation of the gemstone, its scientific name, varietal names, and other useful data, followed by a section dealing with the physical, chemical and optical properties of the species. Further discussion elaborates upon color, quality and other features which add or detract from its value as a gemstone or affect its commercial importance. At the close of each species description, localities are described beginning with those in the northernmost lands and finishing with places in Central America and the West Indies. Information on the features of mineralogy and geology of the gemstone deposits is also furnished. The arrangement of species within the body of the book takes reflects their commercial importance, abundance or rarity, their specific uses in jewelry and ornamentation, and brings together those which are closely related in some important respect. An entire 113 page chapter is devoted to the quartz of family gemstones, presenting an exhaustive description of quartz gemstone varieties.
Chapters include: I The Properties of Gemstones: Gemstone Qualities, Organic Gemstones, Rocks, Minerals and Gemstones, Crystals, The Geometry of Crystals, Crystal Growth, Cleavage, Specific Gravity, Light upon Gems, Dispersion, Color in Gems, Special Optical Effects; II Principal Gemstones: Diamond, Corundum (Ruby and Sapphire). Beryl, Topaz, Opal; III Important Gemstones: The Feldspar Group, Spodumene, Tourmaline, Sodalite and Cancrinite, Olivine, Turquois, Variscite, Jade (Nephrite and Jadeite), Rhodonite, Idocrase (Vesuvianite), The Garnet Group; IV Quartz Family Gemstones; V Rare and Unusual Gemstones: Chrysoberyl, Rutile, Petalite, Pollucite, Phenakite, Axinite, Microlite, Stibiotantalite, Beryllonite, Apatite, Amblygonite, Brazilianite, Lazulite, Cassiterite, Diaspore, Enstatite, Hypersthene, Zircon, Algodoniote and Domeykite, Sphalerite, Niccolite, Smaltite, Cobaltite, Breithauptite, Zincite, Rhodochrosite, Willemite, Friedelite, Hodgkinsonite, Sphene, Augelite, Scheelite, Diopside, Anthophyllite, Actinolite, Tremolite, Scapolite, Danburite, Chondrodite, Benitoite, Iolite, Andalusite, Kyanite, Epidote and Piedmontite, Staurolite, Colemanite, Barite, Celestite, Tektites; IV Massive and Decorative Gemstones: Granite, Graphic Granite, Unakite, Quartz Porphyry (Leopardite), Orbicular Gabbro-Diorite, Lepidolite and Muscovite Mica, Obsidian, Banded Rhyolite, Pectolite, Datolite, Prehnite, Chlorastrolite, Mordenite, Natrolite and Mesolite, Thomsonite, Fluorite, Smithsonite, Malachite and Azurite, Shattuckite, Wollastonite, Lapis Lazuli, Fibrolite (Sillimanite), Zoisite and Clinozoisite, Serpentine, Copper Rhyolite, Red Corundum in Amphibolite, Pyrite, Calcite, Howlite, Ulexite, Gypsum, Catlinite, Argillite, Bauxite; VII Organic Gemstones: Pearls and Shell, Coral, Amber, Jet, Anthracite Coal.
An important 13-page Bibliography citing references and further resources is included in the appendices. Other appendices include a 13-page glossary of terms, a tabular review of Gemstone Deposits, Notes on Collections and Collecting, a 23-page Geographical and Locality Index, and a General Index.

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Gemstones of the World
by Walter Schumann Gemstones of the World, the definitive guide to gems for over 20 years, takes the mystery out of appreciating, buying and selling all kinds. It covers everything from the romance and history of more than 1,400 gemstones to their geographic locations, scientific, physical and color properties, and the way they are formed, structured and mined. With many charts and diagrams Schumann offers full coverage of the optical features of gems - light and color, luminescence, refraction, and inclusions - and about densities and the chemical elements of each stone, with fascinating details on different cuts, polishing, synthetic and imitation gems, hardness, cleavage, classification, trade names, rarity and much more - all with an easy to understand text. And then there are the magnificent photographs of the stones themselves in brilliant full-color, with full data on the facing page. If you could have only one book on gemstones in your library, this would be the one! Hard cover, 5" x 8", 280 pages.

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Gemstones
A Pocketful of Knowledge
by Emma Foa Why are emeralds green? How does a pearl form? What is the "king of gems"? The answers to these questions and many more are packed within the pages of DK Pockets: Gemstones, a fascinating guide to the better-known varieties of precious stones, ranging from uncut gems to spectacular examples of finished jewelry, all photographed in full color. Featuring an easy-to-use color key, information on gem lore, gem care and how to make your own jewelry, DK Pockets: Gemstones is the ideal introduction to a multifaceted, glittering world. Soft cover, 4" x 5", 128 pages.