Gemmology

Front Cover
Routledge, Oct 2, 2012 - Science - 326 pages
This second edition 'Gemmology' has been expanded and updated throughout by the well known writer and editor of Butterworth-Heinemann's gemmology series, Peter Read. This is a much needed update of a classic text and new syllabus information and sample examination theory papers for the Gemmological Association's Preliminary and Diploma courses are included. The additions also incorporate more recent developments, such as the introduction of synthetic moissanite and the De Beer's instruments for distinguishing between natural and synthetic diamonds.

'Gemmology' still serves as a useful reference guide for gemmologists detailing the latest natural and synthetic gem materials and is an invaluable text for anyone in the gemmological profession.

From inside the book

Contents

1 Introduction
1
2 The geological formation and occurrence of gemstones
11
3 The chemical composition of gemstones
21
4 Crystallography
28
5 Cleavage parting and fracture
44
6 Hardness
49
7 Specific gravity density and relative density
55
8 Colour lustre and sheen
69
12 Luminescent electrical and thermal properties of gemstones
131
13 The hand lens microscope and Chelsea filter
145
14 Gemstone enhancement
160
15 Synthetic gemstones and gemstone simulants
172
16 Distinguishing between synthetic and natural gemstones
193
17 Identifying inorganic gemstone simulants
216
18 Organic gem materials and their simulants
227
19 The fashioning of gemstones
247

9 Reflection and refraction
81
10 Polarization and pleochroism
107
11 Spectroscopy
117

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