Comprehensive compendium of fascinating facts and myths explores the interwoven aspects of jewels, gems, stones, superstitions, and astrological lore. A wealth of abundantly illustrated material on meteorites and stones with magical, electrical and healing powers, on stones credited with conferring special powers on the wearer, the religious use of various stones and amulets, and more.
George Frederick Kunz was an American mineralogist and mineral collector. He was the founder and president of the Museums of the Peaceful Arts in 1913, special agent for the US Geological Survey (1883–1909), a research curator at the Museum of Natural History in New York City, and the leading advocate in the establishment of the international carat as a unit of measure for precious gems. He also assembled the Morgan-Tiffany collection of gems in the American Museum of Natural History. Kunz had an active life dedicated to science and public service.