Includes index bibliographical references and index.
The geological sources of gems -- Crystalline gem materials -- Diamond I -- Diamond II -- Ruby and sapphire -- Beryl -- Chrysoberyl -- Spinel -- Topaz -- Tourmaline -- The garnets -- Feldspar group -- Zircon -- Peridot -- Spodumene -- Quartz -- Opal -- Turquoise -- Lapis lazuli -- Jade : geology and mineralogy -- The natural glasses -- Marble -- Less common species -- Synthetic gemstones -- Composite gemstones -- Gemstone simulants -- Plastics -- Pearls -- The biological gem materials -- The fashioning of gemstones -- Value-enhanced gemstones and gem materials.
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"Gems offers a descriptive account of all gem materials used as ornament, along with their synthetic counterparts and the materials used over the centuries to imitate them. This information is particularly relevant at a time when synthetic diamonds are circulating."--Jacket.