Gems and Crystals: From the American Museum of Natural History (Rocks, Minerals and Gemstones)
"Exquisite and informative, a rare find" best describes this dazzling visual compendium. Following a brief history of these collections and how they were catapulted from modest beginnings into world-famous status by such notable benefactors as Tiffany, Jesup, Morgan, and Guggenheim, the authors outline the archaeological and cultural history of gems. They also offer additional information on the basic attributes, properties, and evaluation of gems in general and devote the rest of the book to exploring the history, lore, distinctive properties, and occurrence of approximately 140 varieties of gems and minerals from diamonds and topaz to lapis lazuli and pearls. Chapters are arranged according to primary mineral groups or organic substances. Enthusiastically recommended.- Stephen Allan Patrick, East Tennessee State Univ. Lib., Johnson CityCopyright 1991 Reed Business Information, Inc.