This book is written as a guideline for the potential buyer of gemstones that are mined from the earth or formed by some natural organic process. As a knowledgeable buyer you will be a confident one. Natural gemstones offer the consumer many choices in all price ranges. This book is not intended as a reference work for gemologist, but as a practical guide for the informed amateur.

Handbook for the Gem Buyer - book cover

Many varieties of stones will be described in this book; some of them are quite common; some very rare. A few are mentioned that you would have difficulty in finding. Extremely rare colors or gemstone varieties which are primarily of interest to collectors and museums have been omitted from this text since these are not available to most consumers. Today more gemstone varieties are available to choose from than any prior time in history.

Technical information on gemstones is included to help you understand each variety’s unique properties. Gemology has become a professional and highly specialized field; a competent seller can be of great help in helping you make a wise and satisfying purchase.

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Table of Content

Part I – The Make-Up of a Gemstone

  1. The Joy of Gems
  2. The Formation of Gem Materials
  3. Optical and Physical Properties of Gemstones
  4. The 4 C’s of Gemstone Valuation
  5. The Treatment of Gemstones

Part II – The Personality of Gemstones

  1. Gemstone Name Reference List
  2. When You are Ready to Buy
  3. Andalusite
  4. Beryls: Aquamarine, Emerald, Morganite
  5. Chrysoberyl: Alexandrite and Catseye
  6. Cordierite: Iolite
  7. Corundum: Rubies and Sapphires
  8. Diamonds
  9. Feldspars: Moonstones, Labradorite
  10. Garnet: Almandine, Pyrope, Spessartine, Rhodolite, Grossular, Andradite
  11. Jades: Jadeite and Nephrite
  12. Lapis Lazuli
  13. Olivine: Peridot
  14. Opals
  15. Pearls, Cultured Pearls
  16. Quartz: Amethyst, Citrine, Chalcedonies, Agates, Chrysoprase, Bloodstones
  17. Spinel
  18. Spodumene: Kunzite and Hiddenite
  19. Topaz
  20. Tourmaline: Rubellite and Indicolite
  21. Turquoise
  22. Zircon
  23. Zoisite: Tanzanite
  24. Other Gemstones of Interest
  25. Man-Made Gem Materials

Part III – Helpful Information

  1. Birthstones
  2. Anniversary Stones
  3. Glossary