ABSTRACT

This second edition 'Gemmology' has been expanded and updated throughout by the well known writer and editor of Butterworth-Heinemann's gemmology series, Peter Read. This is a much needed update of a classic text and new syllabus information and sample examination theory papers for the Gemmological Association's Preliminary and Diploma courses are included. The additions also incorporate more recent developments, such as the introduction of synthetic moissanite and the De Beer's instruments for distinguishing between natural and synthetic diamonds.

'Gemmology' still serves as a useful reference guide for gemmologists detailing the latest natural and synthetic gem materials and is an invaluable text for anyone in the gemmological profession.

chapter 1|10 pages

Introduction

chapter 3|7 pages

The chemical composition of gemstones

chapter 4|16 pages

Crystallography

chapter 5|5 pages

Cleavage, parting and fracture

chapter 6|6 pages

Hardness

chapter 8|12 pages

Colour, lustre and sheen

chapter 9|26 pages

Reflection and refraction

chapter 10|10 pages

Polarization and pleochroism

chapter 11|14 pages

Spectroscopy

chapter 13|15 pages

The hand lens, microscope and Chelsea filter

chapter 14|12 pages

Gemstone enhancement

chapter 15|21 pages

Synthetic gemstones and gemstone simulants

chapter 17|11 pages

Identifying inorganic gemstone simulants

chapter 18|20 pages

Organic gem materials and their simulants

chapter 19|20 pages

The fashioning of gemstones

chapter |1 pages

A Bibliography

chapter |2 pages

B The organic gems

chapter C|22 pages

C The inorganic gems

chapter |1 pages

D Man-made gems not occurring in nature

chapter |2 pages

E Colour theory

chapter |4 pages

G Gemstone constants

chapter |1 pages

H Units of measurement

chapter I|3 pages

I Table of elements

chapter |2 pages

J Table of principal Fraunhofer lines