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Gemstones of the World
Gemstones of the World is truly the single volume that every hobbyist, jeweler, jewelry maker, and rockhound needs: it’s the cornerstone of the field. And this updated edition contains a host of new findings on “Gemstones for Collectors,” additional gems in the “Table of Constants,” and the “double fraction” figures that experts have long wanted—a very special new feature.
All the gemstones are treated in their many variations: more than 1,500 full-color photos showcase each precious and semiprecious stone in both its rough, natural, and its polished and cut renditions. Each entry offers complete information on the gemstone’s formation, structure, physical properties, and characteristics, along with the best methods of working, cutting, and polishing it. There are even full treatments of lesser-known gems, from andalusite to vesuvian, and 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. Charts and tables help collectors identify unknown gemstones and check for genuineness.
All the gemstones are treated in their many variations: more than 1,500 full-color photos showcase each precious and semiprecious stone in both its rough, natural, and its polished and cut renditions. Each entry offers complete information on the gemstone’s formation, structure, physical properties, and characteristics, along with the best methods of working, cutting, and polishing it. There are even full treatments of lesser-known gems, from andalusite to vesuvian, and 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. Charts and tables help collectors identify unknown gemstones and check for genuineness.
311 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 1976
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
February 10, 2015
It’s unusual to find a gemstone reference that can be used by scientists, jewelers, collectors, and laypeople, but such is this book, complete with color photos of over 2500 gemstones, both finished and in natural state. The volume is heavy for its size because it’s published on high quality glossy paper. As the author warns us, the text is small and in some cases abbreviated and condensed. This is to cram the maximum amount of information into a guidebook that’s quite portable. One interesting note about the photos is that often average specimens, rather than be-all, end-all quality gems are depicted. No space is wasted; even the inside covers show different gemstone cuts and a world map of gemstones respectively. Yet because of clever use of headers, shaded sections, illustrations, and white space, the text never seems cramped.
The book begins with descriptions of gemstone identification properties. Moh’s scale of hardness, basic mineral chemistry, specific gravity, cleavage and fracture, refraction and absorption, pleochroism, and fluorescence are described in sections followed by charts of these properties for selected gemstones. Later, these concepts are referenced and quantified in specific descriptions for each gemstone. Short, useful sections on mining, polishing, and faceting follow.
The listings of common gemstones follow in logical order, starting at the top of the Moh’s scale with diamond and working down to sodalite and malachite. Physical and chemical properties of each gem or gem group is identified in a header on the top of the left page, followed by notes of interest and specific varieties. On the right page are the photos of the gems described on the left. It is easy to see which gemstones are most closely related chemically and it is particularly interesting to see the large number and variety of colors and forms that quartz (silicon dioxide) exhibits in different gemstones. The volume is well-referenced, in that if another gem or mineral is referenced the author includes a page number for ease of comparison. This formatting continues throughout the next section, the lesser-known gemstones which are becoming more popular, such as fluorite, apatite, and chrysocolla.
The section called Gemstones for Collectors contains quite a few pages of gemstones that are either too soft, too brittle, endangered, or too rare to be of interest to anyone other than collectors. This section is not very well edited and appears to be a listing of such stones in no particular order. I would like to know, for example, which stones are too soft or brittle, and which are rare or endangered. Chemical information is not always consistent either. Still, it is rather fascinating to view the radioactive gems such as Ekanite, and to read about how Sulfur is so sensitive to heat that it bursts when warmed in one’s hand (how did they facet it for the photo without generating heat?).
These arcane stones are followed by sections called “Rock as Gemstones” (obsidian, moldavite, fossils, etc.) and “Organic Gemstones” (coral, jet, ivory, etc.). Quite a large section on cultured pearls is included. Next is a section about the art and craft of imitation and synthetic gemstones, followed by a section on heating, irradiating, coloring, and otherwise enhancing gemstones—including what must be disclosed to the buyer, legally speaking. Next is a section of “new on the market” gemstones such as sugilite, unakite, and petrified wood; an odd assortment of new and not-so-new offerings.
The book concludes with charts of traditional astrological stones, the more recent birthstone-by-month designations, and some remarks on medicinal uses of stones (clearly not recommended by the author, but added for the curious). The book ends with a chart of gemstone listings by color.
Anyone who is interested in gemstones, for whatever reason, will enjoy this book. Whether the reader wants to look at the chemistry behind the stones, find out where various gemstones come from, learn about diamonds, rubies, emeralds, jaspers, or other specific stones, or simply look at pretty photographs, this is the book to use.
The book begins with descriptions of gemstone identification properties. Moh’s scale of hardness, basic mineral chemistry, specific gravity, cleavage and fracture, refraction and absorption, pleochroism, and fluorescence are described in sections followed by charts of these properties for selected gemstones. Later, these concepts are referenced and quantified in specific descriptions for each gemstone. Short, useful sections on mining, polishing, and faceting follow.
The listings of common gemstones follow in logical order, starting at the top of the Moh’s scale with diamond and working down to sodalite and malachite. Physical and chemical properties of each gem or gem group is identified in a header on the top of the left page, followed by notes of interest and specific varieties. On the right page are the photos of the gems described on the left. It is easy to see which gemstones are most closely related chemically and it is particularly interesting to see the large number and variety of colors and forms that quartz (silicon dioxide) exhibits in different gemstones. The volume is well-referenced, in that if another gem or mineral is referenced the author includes a page number for ease of comparison. This formatting continues throughout the next section, the lesser-known gemstones which are becoming more popular, such as fluorite, apatite, and chrysocolla.
The section called Gemstones for Collectors contains quite a few pages of gemstones that are either too soft, too brittle, endangered, or too rare to be of interest to anyone other than collectors. This section is not very well edited and appears to be a listing of such stones in no particular order. I would like to know, for example, which stones are too soft or brittle, and which are rare or endangered. Chemical information is not always consistent either. Still, it is rather fascinating to view the radioactive gems such as Ekanite, and to read about how Sulfur is so sensitive to heat that it bursts when warmed in one’s hand (how did they facet it for the photo without generating heat?).
These arcane stones are followed by sections called “Rock as Gemstones” (obsidian, moldavite, fossils, etc.) and “Organic Gemstones” (coral, jet, ivory, etc.). Quite a large section on cultured pearls is included. Next is a section about the art and craft of imitation and synthetic gemstones, followed by a section on heating, irradiating, coloring, and otherwise enhancing gemstones—including what must be disclosed to the buyer, legally speaking. Next is a section of “new on the market” gemstones such as sugilite, unakite, and petrified wood; an odd assortment of new and not-so-new offerings.
The book concludes with charts of traditional astrological stones, the more recent birthstone-by-month designations, and some remarks on medicinal uses of stones (clearly not recommended by the author, but added for the curious). The book ends with a chart of gemstone listings by color.
Anyone who is interested in gemstones, for whatever reason, will enjoy this book. Whether the reader wants to look at the chemistry behind the stones, find out where various gemstones come from, learn about diamonds, rubies, emeralds, jaspers, or other specific stones, or simply look at pretty photographs, this is the book to use.
February 26, 2021
Great reference book. Love the photos. Found my second dream ring in this volume
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July 27, 2021For a laywoman like me, this is the best possible book on gemstones. Also, this is the first reference book ever that I’ve read from cover to cover.
April 21, 2025
Mõnus käsiraamat, kus vastupidiselt pealkirjale on juttu veel merevaigust, pärlitest, odavatest koopiatest ja kallitest võltsingutest. Totaalselt palju fotosid ja jooniseid!
Katsetasin seda raamatut algul oma abikaasa ehetekarbi (nojah, üks kolmest) ja siis lähima juveelipoe toodete peal ning tulemused olid küllaltki ootamatud. Lisaks pettumustele tuli ette ka paar päris rõõmsat üllatust.
Katsetasin seda raamatut algul oma abikaasa ehetekarbi (nojah, üks kolmest) ja siis lähima juveelipoe toodete peal ning tulemused olid küllaltki ootamatud. Lisaks pettumustele tuli ette ka paar päris rõõmsat üllatust.
October 26, 2019
Not a "reading" book but a must have for anyone interested in geology or jewelry. My go to guide for stones. With amazing info from why the name and where they are found naturally to Mohs' scale and cleavages there is something for everyone, from shiny new beginner to seasoned collector.
April 13, 2023
i would say that i have scanned this book as an entirety and i’m considering that as a read cuz in no way am i gonna read every single word of how gems are cut and other stuff like i’m just gonna scan the things i wanna read.
anyways i love crystals so 5 stars 💗
anyways i love crystals so 5 stars 💗
January 31, 2019
Very good book. i want to read i like such kind of books to read
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 31, 2020
Pretty photographs and a great reference book. I often refer to it to check gem colours or particularities.
June 7, 2020
This is a great guide for gemstones. I would have liked it to have included more photos of the raw, uncut and unpolished source material, but this great guide for identifying gems.
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January 2, 2026bratz-roxxi
March 12, 2018
This review is for the 5th edition.
Gemstones of the World is the most complete and comprehensive guide to the world of gemstones. It includes a handy identifier for collectors and mineralogical stats for gemologists and jewellers that covers over 2,000 species of rocks, minerals and organics. it also details the lore and history of famous gems plus a section on synthetics.
When I was 18, I visited Borders in New York City for the first time. I had little money and could only afford two books. I bought this book up along with Maurice Sendak's Where The Wild Things Are. Both have remained among my most favourite books.
Gemstones of the World is the most complete and comprehensive guide to the world of gemstones. It includes a handy identifier for collectors and mineralogical stats for gemologists and jewellers that covers over 2,000 species of rocks, minerals and organics. it also details the lore and history of famous gems plus a section on synthetics.
When I was 18, I visited Borders in New York City for the first time. I had little money and could only afford two books. I bought this book up along with Maurice Sendak's Where The Wild Things Are. Both have remained among my most favourite books.
December 5, 2016
Great book! A great reference book to gemstones that details everything from origins to cutting. Also gives some interesting history, has great pictures, and a map of where to find them. And considering its not a HUGE reference book I think somebody studying in this field could definitely carry this around with them!
July 28, 2007
Inherited this book from my dad. I find it fascinating. I looove seeing the illustrations of gemstones.
October 3, 2007
The best little gemstone book to have on hand.
October 9, 2007
Excellent reference.
February 28, 2008
F A B U L O U S
May 16, 2012
A Must Have, GREAT!
March 18, 2013
Gemstones of the World: Newly Revised & Expanded third Edition by Walter Schumann
prefect bo-ok covers gems, cabs tons of pics
prefect bo-ok covers gems, cabs tons of pics
July 22, 2015
This is an excellent beginner's reference for gemstones, with introductory chapters on diamond grading, history of diamond faceting styles, mining, terminology, gemstone properties and more.
February 18, 2014
It's a reference book.
November 11, 2013
5th edition
Currently reading
December 18, 2013Gemstones of the World (Hardcover)
November 4, 2015
Good book but only for beginners who are looking to gain an insight into the world of Gemstones
February 18, 2016
An amazing resource for both beginners and experienced gemologists! Great quality of photos and pretty detailed but not overly complicated!
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July 5, 2016nice to meet you
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews