Gemology

By George S. Switzer and Cornelius S. Hurlbut

Book Overview

A concise, systematic, yet comprehensive ''textbook'' treatment of the science. Examines origin, chemistry, crystallography, physical properties, and optical properties of gemstones, and discusses methods and instruments used to determine these properties. Highlights recent advances and important contributions; explores new methods of study and determination, crystal structures, causes of color, new gem minerals, new methods of gem synthesis, manufactured gems, chemical compounds used as substitutes, and imitations and simulations. Includes 12 full color plates, 350 halftones and line drawings, and a Gem Index that lists commonly sought characteristics along with page number references.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 047142224X
• ISBN13: 9780471422242
• Release Date: April 1979
• Publisher: Wiley
• Length: 272 Pages
• Weight: 1.65 lbs.

Customer Reviews

Does anyone...

Does anyone know how Robert C. Kammerling died or where I could find information on him??? I knew him but only for 1 year and i am trying to figure out more about him. I have heard that this book is very helpful and is one of the best books on gemology.

Classic Text which is the basis of GIA classification

Cornelius Hurlbut (1906 ,2005) a Harvard University Geologist and Robert Kammerling (c1947, 1996) of the Gemological Institute of America wrote an excellent text on Gem Identification. The book became the basis of the GIA course of colored stones and colored stones identification which are required for the GIA Graduate Gemologist designation. Chapters 1-7 give basic facts on origin of gems, crystallography, chemical formulas, physical properties (hardness, specific gravity, heat conductivity), colors and optical properties. Chapters 6-7 also discuss equipment used in gem identification (specific gravity scales, heat testers, refractometer, reflectivity meters, polariscope, condensing sphere). The most important gem identification instrument is the refractometer and the authors give a detailed discussion of its uses which nicely supplements the GIA `lab manual'. Chapter 8 and 9 discuss the microscope and loupe and the spectrophotometer. Chapter 11 discusses synthetic stones (which have the same chemical, optical, and physical properties of the natural stones) and imitation stones (which merely resemble the natural stones.) The other chapters discuss enhancement, fashioning and the properties of stones on the GIA gem identification "a" and "b" lists. Ph.D. GG (GIA)

An excellent reference source

This book is an excellent source of information for people interested in the field of gemmology. I have found that the contents covers a wide range of topics and presented in an easily understood format. It is a concise and well-illustrated book which makes it ideal as a reference book