When ordering from the US, parcels may be subject to import tax and duty charges, which the buyer is responsible to pay.

Over 100 Gems of the World 1500+ Color Pix Identify Test Genuine Fake Synthetic

"Gemstones of the World" by Walter Schumann.

NOTE: We have 75,000 books in our library, almost 10,000 different titles. Odds are we have other copies of this same title in varying conditions, some less expensive, some better condition. We might also have different editions as well (some paperback, some hardcover, oftentimes international editions). If you don’t see what you want, please contact us and ask. We’re happy to send you a summary of the differing conditions and prices we may have for the same title.

DESCRIPTION:  Hardcover with printed/laminated covers. Publisher: Sterling (2007). Pages: 311. Size: 7¾ x 5¼ x 1 inches; 1½ pounds. “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.

CONDITION: NEW. New hardcover w/dustjacket. Sterling (2007) 311 pages. Unblemished except for faint edge and corner shelfwear to dustjacket. Pages are pristine; clean, crisp, unmarked, unmutilated, tightly bound, unambiguously unread. Shelfwear is principally in the form of very faint "crinkling" and rubbing to the dustjacket spine head and heel. Condition is entirely consistent with new stock from a bookstore environment wherein new books might show minor signs of shelfwear, consequence of routine handling and simply being shelved and re-shelved. Satisfaction unconditionally guaranteed. In stock, ready to ship. No disappointments, no excuses. HEAVILY PADDED, DAMAGE-FREE PACKAGING! Meticulous and accurate descriptions! Selling rare and out-of-print ancient history books on-line since 1997. We accept returns for any reason within 30 days! #8363p.

PLEASE SEE DESCRIPTIONS AND IMAGES BELOW FOR DETAILED REVIEWS AND FOR PAGES OF PICTURES FROM INSIDE OF BOOK.

PLEASE SEE PUBLISHER, PROFESSIONAL, AND READER REVIEWS BELOW.

PUBLISHER REVIEWS: 

REVIEW: Gemstones of the World is truly the single volume that every hobbyist, jeweler, jewelry maker, and rockhound needs: its 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.

REVIEW: "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. Over 1,500 full-color photographs showcase stones in their rough, natural, and polished & cut renditions. Charts and tables help collectors identify unknown gemstones and check for genuineness

REVIEW: This is the standard reference for over twenty years, now completely revised and updated with many new illustrations. "Gemstones of the World" is the most comprehensive and informative color manual of the world's gemstones and includes more than 1,400 examples. Opposite each illustration the text provides an exact description of the particular stone, including details of the properties and chemical composition which makes the stone unique. Information on location of major deposits, alternative names, stones most easily identified incorrectly, and diagrams of their crystal habits are also given. The tables on gemstones' properties and constants provide a basic system of elimination for all unidentified stones. There are also eleven tables listing commercial and mineral names, refractive indices, dispersion, pleochroism, fluorescence, absorption spectra and specific gravities of gems. From the historical to the scientific, this extraordinary reference source is filled with fascinating facts about gemstones, both precious and semi-precious. It's also a worldwide scientific survey, with stunning color photographs of each gem and its varieties.

REVIEW: More than 1,500 full-color illustrations of all types of gemstones and hundreds of semi-precious stones accompany guidelines for identification and classification and articles on mining, cutting, and the properties and characteristics of each, in this newly updated edition.

PROFESSIONAL REVIEWS: 

REVIEW: This definitive guide takes the mystery out of appreciating, buying and selling gemstones. It covers everything from the romance and history of gemstones to their geographic locations; scientific, physical and color properties; and the way they are formed, structured and mined. The book also fully covers the optical features of gems--light and color, luminescence, refraction and inclusions--and key information about the densities and chemical elements of each stone, with fascinating details on different cuts, polishing, gems, hardness, cleavage, classification, trade names, rarity and more. There are also many charts and diagrams as well as magnificent color photographs of the stones with data about them on the facing page. If you want only one book on gemstones in your library, this would be the one!

REVIEW: First published in English in 1976, Walter Schumann’s Gemstones of the World has served as a handy reference guide to gemologists of any level. The text begins with a brief mineralogical and gemological study, focusing on such topics as basic crystallography and crystal systems, hardness, refractive index, and other pertinent features of gem materials. Schumann largely focuses on minerals but does give proper descriptions of organic and synthetic materials as well. These first few sections serve as an excellent introduction to, or refresher on, many of the basic concepts that help make identification easier. The text is easily comprehensible to those at least somewhat familiar with the science of gemology, and it does a reasonably good job explaining the concepts for a novice. For someone completely new to the science, the jargon may be difficult, although Schumann attempts to bypass this issue by providing a brief list at the beginning of the book of terminology that may be unfamiliar.

Schumann devotes the most space, logically, to the most well-known and economically significant gemstones, such as diamond, sapphire, ruby, and emerald. Lesser-known and rare gems are not neglected, however, and he has compiled a fairly exhaustive list of gemstones, complete with color, hardness, density, refractive index, crystal system, and chemical composition. "Gemstones of the World" is a conveniently sized and organized reference book for both the casual and serious gemologist. Because it is fairly compact, it would be easy to take on field trips for use as a handy guide. The comprehensive listing of gem materials that includes many of the most important identifying features makes it useful for identifying both common and unusual gemstones. For a first-time buyer in particular, it would be a wise investment.

REVIEW: As with the companion book, "Minerals of the World", this book is superb. It is fully illustrated with splendid photographs of the various types of mineral.0 The front section of the book has a fairly comprehensive and explicit treatise on the technical and scientific aspects to minerals . Thus the book can be a companion to the professional, or to the collector, or to the amateur gemstone enthusiast. The quality of presentation is superb and I highly recommend this book . The price of the publication is misleadingly low.

REVIEW: A great asset to any jeweler or layman who works with gems. This is an excellent reference book. ARBA. One of the 100 outstanding Sci-Tech books of the Year. Invaluable to rock hounds of all ages. Beautiful illustrations, excellent quality. 143 photographs and 1,423 specimens in color plus 166 line drawings, bibliography and index.

REVIEW: I have been a gemologist for 20 years. I run an Independent Lab in Manhasset NY. I have used this book for years as an accurate reference guide. Put it on your book shelf if you are into the mineralogy world. [Deborah Villepigue GG, RMV, NAJA, AGA].

REVIEW: Every bead worker should have this book. It offers 1,500 full-color photos of precious and semiprecious stones, and gem cutting and mining processes; also provides chemical origin, nomenclature, and property information. [Beadwork Magazine].

REVIEW: I perform jewelry appraisals and gem identifications and this book has helped me more than any other. It is a MUST for buying and selling (does not list prices). I have worn mine out and have just ordered a new one. I have had it for approximately ten or more years. You will be fascinated even if you are not buying or selling. Peruse it and enjoy!!!

REVIEW: The newly expanded, revised third edition of a classic gemstone reference is a top pick for jewelry makers, rockhounds, and any fascinated by gems. It offers up new insights on collectibility, provides new 'double fraction' figures that experts have wanted, and provides over a thousand color photos profiling each precious and semiprecious stone in its rough, natural and polished versions. Chapters cover geology and working with gemstones alike, making it an excellent all-around reference and a top pick for both geology and crafts libraries.

REVIEW: More than 1,400 specimens. Discover what gems are, how they are classified and named, their physical properties, and how they are cut and polished. "Invaluable to rockhounds of all ages. [Science Teacher].

REVIEW: "One of the 100 outstanding Science-Technology books of the year. [Library Journal].

REVIEW: Anyone interested in minerals and gems will want a copy of this beautifully-illustrated book. [Science Books & Films].

REVIEW: The excellent index takes you right to any stone. [Bead & Button].

REVIEW: THE reference book on everything to do with gemstones. Handy size, packed full of photos and locations of precious Gems, stones and other related minerals. Everything about gemstones and the normal precious stones but also includes fossilized wood, amber, coral, Mother-of-Pearl, Operculum, Jet and Ivory.

REVIEW: Authoritative reference work, with color photographs of more than 1400 specimens, many shown before and after cutting. Special sections on fabricated and synthetic gems, recognizing gems by color, birthstones and organic gems such as coral and pearl. Includes technical data on gemstone properties, formation and structure of gems and cutting.

READER REVIEWS: 

REVIEW: 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.

REVIEW: I love gems. I have a Graduate Gemologist degree (in addition to a physics degree). I do some high-end faceting and purchase gems and rough for faceting, jewelry making and simply for fun. My lab capability is better than that of most jewelry stores. Schumann's “Gemstones of the World” has been a mainstay of my reference library. This has been a valuable and well-organized reference book complementing other materials for gemstone identification. It often has more information than other texts about the stones themselves. It has a lot of good information about the various properties of gems, a small amount on mining and a good overview of production methods. The entries for common gemstones are quite complete, but it also covers a very wide range of less common stones and materials that are more recently commercialized. This work should be in the library of any gemologist. It's also simply a good reading book, with interesting information throughout the entire work.

REVIEW: I got this book for my fiancé who is an avid gem collector and aspires to become a gemologist. He absolutely loved the book, read it in one night! The pictures are out of this world, it almost looks like you're looking at real gems. Very informational! I would suggest that anyone interested in gems get this book. You start learning once you open the front cover.

REVIEW: I bought this book many years ago and have used it so often it is untrue. The lay out is easy to understand and the stones are grouped logically, with everything from crystal formation to MOH hardness to chemical formula. I would recommend it to anyone with an interest in gemology, as it contains the detailed information for professionals, as well as plenty of information for the enthusiastic amateur. In short it's a comprehensive reference book that I keep turning to again and again, and though I have other gem books, this one is all you need. If you're going to buy a gem reference book, buy this one.

REVIEW: This is probably the best gemstone reference book that I've seen. If you are someone interested in gems, looking to buy gems online, or even a jeweler you'll find this book indispensable. The book teaches you the basic properties of gemstones, hardness, cleavage/fracture, color, refraction, dispersion, etc. It gives you an overview of cutting and polishing gemstones with a chart of the different types of cuts available.

But the best part of the book is the description of gemstones. This book covers virtually all known gemstones! Not just the big 4(diamond, emerald, ruby, sapphire) but over 100 different gems, many that you've probably never even heard of! The gems are broken down into groups, the beryl group, corundum group, etc. Each group then gives the different gems from that group and gives the physical characteristics of that gem. It lists the different sources and colors of each gem and tells you which gems you might confuse the stone with.

And finally each gemstone comes with a full page picture of different cuts, colors and rough of that gem. All in all this is a MUST HAVE BOOK for anyone interested in gems.

REVIEW: This book is a wonderful reference for anyone that has in interest in gemstones or geology. The book has three main parts. The first is an introduction into the terminology that is used in the gemology industry. I found this section to be very inclusive and easy to understand. This section covers everything from the types of crystal structures to cutting techniques and density. This is a great section for those that are new in the world of gemology and would like a more in depth explanation of gemstones.

The next major section deals with well known gemstones. Every stone you can think of from diamond to emerald is covered in this section. The section is reserved for stones that most everyone has heard of and are readily available at any store. This section is laid out in a field guide type format as opposed to an in depth paragraph discussion. Each stone has a description of its characteristics and colored photos of multiple examples. The photos are beautifully done with several different examples of each stone shown.

The final section is reserved for more uncommon gemstones. This section will be sure to surprise you. For example petrified wood is shown as a more uncommon gemstone. Even the most experienced gemologist will learn something new in this section. The pictures and layout of this section are the same as in the previous section. I highly recommend this book to people with an interest in geology or gemology. This book is not a book that is best read cover to cover. It is better used as a reference because of its layout and abundance of information. No matter what you use it for you will be fascinated with the information and captivated by the photography. A wonderful book that will keep you entertained for hours.

REVIEW: Even as a jeweler I can't remember everything, so when I go to gem shows to buy my stones this book is my pocket bible which keeps me from getting cheated! Even if you aren't a jewelry professional, if you are buying stones online, at gem shows, or from your local jeweler, you can learn more about the stones you want, and learn more about the stones that are available (don't you get tired of always seeing ruby-sapphire-emerald?). I advise all my clients who are serious stone shoppers to buy this book, to become familiar with stones and minerals in general, and to start asking questions about the durability, hardness and practicality of the stones they buy for their custom jewelry. It has beautiful photos too!

REVIEW: This is THE gemstone resource book that everyone needs...I passed my older version on to a friend before noticing that the publish date for this one had been extended and I have never been so lost! This book's small format lends itself to tucking in a briefcase, purse, backpack, whatever...it is indispensable at Gem or Jewelry Shows! I have yet to look up a stone that is too obscure to be included and the revised version has even more in depth listings of Rare/Collector stones. The photos are a true representation and usually include rough, cab and facet examples. Along with the basics: Structure, Refractive Index, Color, etc...Schumann includes a brief history and lore of the gem as well as locations of current mines. This is as accurate a resource as you will find for an industry that is literally changing as I write this.

REVIEW: I'd waited years for a recent edition of this book, even used, at a reasonable price. Now it's finally affordable as a new hardback. I was kinda hoping for a book that would let me compare my gemstones to pictures and identify them. This book helped me understand why that kind of book is NOT possible. The best part, for people like me, is the way the many testing techniques and tools are explained, logically and in layman's terms. The book helped me see that learning to use techniques and tools to identify gemstones on my own is possible, and it will undoubtedly help me figure out which tools to invest in first.

REVIEW: This book should be in everyone's library. There is something here for everyone--from kids who collect rocks (because that's what kids do), to the serious gemstone collector. In fact, any nature lover would thoroughly enjoy this book for its stunning color photos. From Diamonds to Pearls and everything in between, Schumann's revised and updated reference provides a wealth of information for every level of interest.

REVIEW: A gemologist friend of mine introduced me to this book, and I had to have one. It is the best Gemstone reference book, especially at its price. It includes color pictures and shows the gem in both the rough and finished state, and includes information on synthetic gemstones. Get this book for a REAL education on Gemstones.

REVIEW: Upon viewing the pages contained within this hardback, I immediately smiled. A great purchase. The information given on each family of gemstones was incredible. Not only was in depth information given on the standard stones (diamonds, rubies, emeralds, opal, garnet and etc.), but also rarely seen varieties were also shown, giving the "collector" a unique perspective. Before reading this publication, I never knew there were green, yellow, orange or colorless garnets, I never heard of "heliodor" or Uvarovite, Andradite garnets, Dravite Tourmaline, etc and etc. What a wealth of information. Gemology, folklore, scientific and geographic information on each and every variety listed within!!! WOW. What an exhaustive reference! GOOD SHOW!

REVIEW: For decades I wore only white diamonds (nothing colored of any kind) simply because they went with everything and to me they were the easiest gems for the layperson buyer to become 'intelligent' about. Having recently found an excellent jeweler who's also a goldsmith and graduate gemologist, I'm now venturing into the world of colored gems, including colored diamonds. Very confusing! This book has helped enormously, though. For each gem there's all the usual basic info such as Moh’s scale hardness, along with other stuff that'll make your jeweler sit up and take proper notice of ya! Chemical composition, refractive index, density, fluorescence, double refraction and pleiochroism (if any), and so on and so forth. Not to worry, those are all explained in separate sections. There's also information on all the colors each particular stone comes in, plus useful pictures, a section for each stone on which others look similar enough to be confused with it, a sections on various treatments (usually for color enhancement) and on created and artificial stones, and much, much more. Simply packed with useful, well-organized information, very well laid out and easy on the eyes despite being fairly small for a hardbound book.

REVIEW: I bought the 2001 edition several years ago and found it indispensable at the jewelry store where I worked. Now that I'm getting into the nitty-gritty of the Graduate Gemologist program at the GIA, I'm quite pleased to find an updated version available. I expect I'll be taking this to school with me to replace several large, ungainly lab manuals that haunt my desk. This book makes a great cornerstone for any gem library. I own many gem guides and encyclopedias twice the size and weight of this while containing considerably less information. This one has the most complete collection of information and pictures I've seen anywhere at an astonishingly diminutive size. If you plan to buy only one gem book in your lifetime, I highly recommend this one.

REVIEW: This is one of the best documents on gemstones available today. It covers virtually every major gemstone as well as a great number of the "new" gemstones just coming into popularity. The descriptions and photographs are excellent. The locals where found and the appearance and availability of the rough material make this a genuine gem of its own. Anyone interested in lapidary, jewelry, or gemstones in general will find this book to be an outstanding value. This is enhanced by its relatively low price.

REVIEW: I ordered this book for a gift to give to my wife’s co-worker who is into stones. I have went through three copies over the years from 1997 using it to show my customers what the stones they buy from me should look like. I have been making stones into jewelry for over 43 years and this book is the best one I have come across. What this gemstone book has that no other like it has is its fine color plates of each stone. This makes it a great way to show the public what they are buying such as Lapis Lazuli with its iron pyrite that is found in real Lapis Lazuli and with each color listed and with a color plate to use to show and compare. This book should be owned by anyone who sells stones and anyone who buys stones as it is used worldwide as one of the top trade books of its types.

REVIEW: I have been searching for a book to help me navigate through the maze of common names for different kinds of stones used to make beads. This book has photos of the stones in their natural state, as well as their polished state. It has lists of names attributed to certain stones. As a beader, I have found it very helpful in identifying stone beads and understanding what the different stones are.

REVIEW: If you’ve always wanted to learn more about gems--including more obscure ones--then this is the book to buy. The photos are fantastic, the information very detailed, but easy to understand, and very self-explanatory. All-in-all, definitely a book worth reading. I can't stress enough that this is an excellent informational book. It's compact--can fit in a woman's purse!--and even includes details on how to determine if various gems are real or fake. Excellent source of information, easy to use for referral, even for the newest of interests in basic gems.

REVIEW: My travels around Asia sparked my interest in buying gems, jade and pearls. After a few false starts, I knew I needed a resource I could carry with me and consult on the spot. Not only do I feel more confident in my purchases, I know see items that are of value that I passed by because I didn't understand what they were. The book covers a great deal of information despite its small format. At first I wasn't interested in the beginning chapters. I thought they were for jewelers or more serious collectors. Now I'm reading them to gain additional insight into this world. The photos are fabulous. Some of the stones in their original forms are more beautiful than the jewelry versions.

REVIEW: As a professor of gemology, I can assure you that this book is excellent for everyone. Perfect combination of words and pictures. The things I found to be useful are the descriptions for each gemstone and they have a list of what each gemstone may possibly be confused with. They also give you alternative names for gemstones and the history of the name with its meaning. If you are interested in gemstones this is the book for you.

REVIEW: This book on precious stones is brilliant. I liked the quality and structure of the book. It's not a cheap paperback. Color photos and an abundant supply of them. Scientific data and historical background presented. It's ideal for those of us ,who are Reiki practitioners .This gem book is not Wicca related, yet it is quite facilitative for Wiccans who use the healing stones and perform healing exercises. The depth of gemstone information is a farraginous mixture from almagest times until today.

REVIEW: This small book has very nice pictures and good information about each stone, including where it is found, the relative hardness, availability, and value. I enjoy wearing jewelry, but am not in the jewelry business. This book was recommended by a terrific jewelry artist and it is well worth the price I paid.

REVIEW: Best book I've bought on gems. Tons of great color pictures of rough and faceted stones. This should be the first book you buy on gems (I have about 6 of the top gem books and this one bests them all).

REVIEW: I recommend this book for any gemologist in training. Contains most of the relevant information needed for quick reference.

REVIEW: This is also a great book for identification of most and close to all precious gemstones. This is the first book you should purchase as beginners. This book goes into explicit details of each gemstones and also has a colored picture for each. This is an excellent book for reference. It is written in very easy English.

REVIEW: This is a fantastic book. I learned a great deal reading this resource. I would highly recommend this book to anyone who wants to learn about gemstone origins, types of cut, crystal formation, or if you just want to look at the pretty pictures of all of the most beautiful stones in the world yet discovered.

REVIEW: This clearly the best gemstone book ever. It features every gemstone imaginable with some I've never heard of. It not only gives a picture of the rough and faceted cut in full color photos but also gives the chemical breakdown, hardness and location found. Truly worth the money!

REVIEW: If you want to learn about gemstones, this is a wonderful book to have. It's been like a gemstone "bible" to me. Vibrant colorful photos, very informative on everything from stone hardness to where it can be found in the world. Cannot say enough on how terrific and helpful it has been!!! A must have for the "gem enthusiast"!!!

REVIEW: This is a great gem book for the amateur rock hound/lapidary. A great reference for the more experienced. Lots of information on physical characteristics, history, mining, and geographic distribution of stones. The best part is the pictures, every stone is in color in both the raw and processed states. I highly recommend.

REVIEW: I dabble in gemstones - buying and selling from Brazil, Colombia and other countries. Schumann's book is a bible - an essential reference with a very accessible layout, excellent and concise information. Rarely do I need to seek other sources when researching stones.

REVIEW: I have learned a lot from this book and find it very beneficial as someone who is new to gemstones. It has great pictures, hardness scales and a lot of valuable information. I would recommend it.

REVIEW: This book helped me pass the GIA Graduate Gemologist Exam. It is a very nice supplemental book to the course materials. Very portable as well. Highly recommended!

REVIEW: I really like this book and have placed it in my mobile library. I am a rock hound and spend most of the summer months in the field collecting different types of rocks and fossils. good reference book.

REVIEW: Excellent resource book. Not only lists gemstones, but histories, tools (how to use them), and gemstone measurements of all kinds. If you get only one reference guide, this is it.

ADDITIONAL BACKGROUND:

GEMSTONES IN ANCIENT HISTORY: Throughout history, gemstones were believed capable of curing illness to providing protection. Found in Egypt dated 1500 B. C., the "Papyrus Ebers" offered one of most complete therapeutic manuscripts containing prescriptions using gemstones and minerals. In the eastern civilizations of China, India, and Tibet, gemstones were not only valued for their medicinal and protective properties, but also for educational and spiritual enhancement. Hereinbelow are a few examples of the uses for and beliefs concerning specific gemstone varieties in the ancient world.

Chalcedony: Quartz-silica gemstones can be classified into 3 varieties: quartz, which is transparent cut from a single crystal; translucent varieties covered by the term “chalcedony”, and opal. The earliest recorded use of chalcedony was for projectile points, knives, tools, and containers such as cups and bowls. Early man made weapons and tools from many varieties of chalcedony including agate, agatized coral, flint, jasper, and petrified wood. In all ages chalcedony has been the stone most used by the gem engraver, and many colored varieties are still cut and polished as gemstones. The Ancient Greeks referred to almost all colors of chalcedony from white to black and everything in-between as Onyx.

The name “chalcedony” is derived from the name of the ancient Greek town known as Chalkedon in Asia Minor on the Asia Minor side of the Bosporus. Now the Turkish city of Kadikoy and a suburb of Istanbul, Chalcedon was colonized by the Ionian Greek city of Miletus in the seventh century B.C., just opposite the shore where a few years later colonizing Greeks from Athens would found the city of Byzantium, which became one of the most impregnable fortified cities of the ancient world, and as Constantinople, the capital of the Eastern Roman Empire. About two-hundred years after Chalcedon's founding, a close neighbor to the southwest, the city of Sardis, was just reaching its zenith as the chief city of the Kingdom of Lydia, and home to the fabulously wealthy King Croesus, who ruled from 560 to 548 B.C. Expert geologists, miners and gemstone cutters, the Sardians mined blue chalcedony which was shipped throughout the ancient Mediterranean world out of the port of Chalcedon.

Greek seafarers in the third or fourth century A.D. wore chalcedony and garnet amulets to avoid drowning. Romans eventually applied the term to describe black and dark brown colors only. In ancient Assyria chalcedony amulets were carved by temple priests and worn for a wide variety of purposes; to secure public favor, ensure victories, keep a lover faithful, keep one safe on a journey, or protect the wearer from political upheaval or war. One such amulet recently deciphered by archaeologists was inscribed with the prayer: “may Sin, lord of the crown, quiet you; may Ninurta, lord of weapons, break your enemies weapons; may Nergal, lord of the netherworld hold you in battle; may Ea and Asalluhi cut off your poison. Clear off!” Archaeologists have also uncovered Assyrian and Babylonian cylinder seals carved from chalcedony.

The Romans prized chalcedony for use as seals and in intaglio rings. During the later Roman Empire an art form started which was known as “opus sectile” in which large pieces of thinly cut stone (marble, mother of pearl, chalcedony, glass) were joined together to make a picture or design, much like a picture-puzzle, most often to be inlaid into walls and floors. The materials were cut into thin pieces, polished, and then cut according to the design so that they fit one another without the use of grout. Unlike mosaic techniques, where the placement of very small uniformly-sized pieces forms a design, “opus sectile” pieces were much larger and could be shaped to define large parts of the design. In the Middle Ages the technique was known as “cosmatesque”, and floors and small columns on tombs and altars continued to use inlays of different colors in geometric patterns.

Byzantine art continued with inlaid floors, but also produced some small religious figures in hardstone inlays. In the Italian Renaissance the technique was often referred to as “painting in stone”. The center of the art form was late 16th century in Florence, Italy. “Pictures” were created using thin, cut-to-shape pieces of brightly colored, semiprecious stones. “Commesso” pictures (also known as “pietra dura”), which typically made use of chalcedony, ranged from emblematic and floral subjects to landscapes, and were used mainly for tabletops and small wall panels, but also for jewelry, cameos, small boxes, etc.

During the Middle Ages and Renaissance chalcedony was believed to banish fear, hysteria, depression, mental illness and sadness. It was believed to reduce fever, and wearing chalcedony was believed to be beneficial to vision. It was also worn by many to promote calm and inner tranquility as well as to stimulate creativity. Astrologers and shamans of the Middle Ages wore engraved signet rings of chalcedony as amulets. In the late Renaissance it was widely believed that a person seeing nocturnal phantoms took in disease or evil through their eyes. Wearing chalcedony was believed to remove or counteract the disease or evil.

During the Renaissance chalcedony was also widely used as an architectural element in many of Europe's architectural "jewels." One such jewel is the Usimbardi Chapel inside the Church of Santa Trinita, built from 1602-07 in Florence, Italy. Renowned Florentine painter, architect, and poet Ludovico Cardi (1559-1613) decorated the pilaster strips of the chapel with agate, chalcedony, jasper and lapis lazuli inlays or "cladding". Another treasure is in Prague where the Chapel of St. Wenceslas built in the 1400's completely inside the St. Vitus Cathedral has walls of large paintings interspersed with stones of carnelian, amethyst, chalcedony and chrysoprase.

St. Vitus Cathedral is considered to be the one of the most important monuments of Czech art, is dedicated to St. Vitus, an Italian martyr put to death by the Emperor Diocletian in 304 or 305 A.D. The St. Vitus Cathedral is also the repository of the Bohemian (Czech) crown jewels and underground tombs of Bohemian (Czech) kings. It was also the venue in which Bohemian kings and queens were traditionally crowned. The magnificent gothic cathedral was founded in the late 9th century. The "good King Wenceslas" of the well-known Christmas carol dedicated a chapel to St. Vitus in 925 A.D. The cathedral in its present (rebuilt) form took nearly six centuries to complete after its construction started in 1344, and was designed by medieval architect Mathias Arras.

When Arras passed away in 1352), his work was continued by architect Peter Parler, who also built the St. Wenceslas Chapel, decorated with frescos and semi-precious stones. The final stage of construction was completed only in the period between 1873 and 1929. The facing of the walls which consist of precious stones, and the wall paintings of the Passion cycle are parts of the original 14th-century decoration of the chapel. Scenes from the life of St. Wenceslas which form another decorative band are attributed to the workshop of the Master of the Litomerice Altar. It is the door in the south-western corner of this chapel that leads to the Crown Chamber in which the Bohemian coronation jewels are kept.

In Victorian Europe chalcedony was carved into an endless array of cameos and intaglios. Moss agate, known for its green tree-like patterns was a particular favorite. Bloodstone was often used for cameos and intaglios for gentleman's jewelry. In particular, banded gemstones such as agate, sardonyx and onyx were used extensively for cameos. Chalcedony can be virtually any color of the rainbow. It is commonly pale blue, yellow, brown or gray with nearly wax-like luster. Ancient cultures prized a wide variety of chalcedony forms, two of the most widely used in the ancient Mediterranean were carnelian and lapis lazuli.

Other forms of chalcedony used in the ancient world include agate, onyx, bloodstone, jasper, tiger’s-eye, and aventurine. It might surprise some to find that petrified wood and dinosaur bones are classified as chalcedony, as the organic material has been replaced by inorganic chalcedony. Aside from chalcedony there are many other varieties of quartz which are not generally recognized as quartz. Purple quartz is known as amethyst; yellow quartz as "citrine", and ametrine is a variegated gemstone possessing a color somewhere between amethyst and citrine.

In the ancient world it was believed that chalcedony encouraged emotional balance, stamina, kindness, generosity, responsiveness, receptivity, creativity, charity and friendliness, and was useful for those suffering from depression, fear, hysteria, and mental illness. It was also believed to enhance the wearer’s ability to listen and understand, as well as the ability to communicate clearly, and provide the wearer with psychic visions. Its medicinal uses included as a treatment for heart ailments, fevers, as well as for eye disorders; and to relieve the emotional and physical symptoms of menopause, as well as to help alleviate symptoms of Alzheimer’s [AncientGifts].

Jasper: Jasper is a form of agate, and belongs to the chalcedony family of gemstones, which in turn is part of the quartz family of gemstones. Jasper is very similar to citrine and amethyst in make up, but possessing such large amounts of trace elements such as iron and sulfur (which provide the colors) that they are opaque rather than transparent. The biggest difference between a red jasper and a citrine is that there is probably 20% to 30% more iron in the jasper. The crystals in jasper gemstones are so dense and so tightly compacted that they are invisible to the naked eye. It often contains organic material and mineral oxides which give it interesting patterns, bands and colors. Many of these patterns resemble landscapes with mountains and valleys. Jasper occurs in red, green, blue, brown, pink, purple, yellow, white, gray and black.

Jasper was a favorite gem in ancient times and is referenced in Greek, Roman, Hebrew, Persian, East Indian Indus Valley (Harappan), Assyrian and Latin literature. In the Bible jasper was described as one of the twelve stones in the breastplate of Aaron, representing the twelve tribes of Israel. Referenced again in the New Testament, jasper is listed as one of the foundation stones of post-apocalyptic New Jerusalem. The name Jasper comes to us from the Greek language. “Jaspis”, or the ancient spelling “Iaspis” meaning “spotted stone”. It was also the name of a mythical stone found in the head of the adder snake. Greek warriors carried a jasper talisman to give them courage in battle. This association with bravery and warriors carried all the way into the Middle Ages, where one name for jasper was "the stone of warriors."

Early Mediterranean shamans or wizards believed that jasper was a very sacred stone. Blue colored Jaspers were used to travel safely back and forth to the Spirit World. Red Jasper represented the blood of the Great Mother and was used to connect with the Earth in healing ceremonies. Green Jaspers were used to call the rain. Magicians in fourth century Britain placed carved Jasper bowls at the corners of a farmer's field to bring rain for the crops (many American Indian tribes shared the belief that jasper had the ability to bring rain). According to the Medieval Norse tenth century Volsunga Saga, the sword hilt of Sigurd (also known as Siegfried), a legendary hero of Viking mythology and son of Sigmund the king, was set with jasper.

Medieval authors of the 11th and 12th centuries wrote volumes about the protective powers of the Jasper. It was written that the gemstone drove away evil spirits and protected the wearer from the bites of poisonous snakes and spiders. It was also recommended that women hold a piece of jasper in the hand during childbirth to guard against the evil that could come to the mother and child by demons of the air. Physicians in the Middle Ages wore jasper amulets to aid them in their diagnoses, and stocks of jasper were kept in every pharmacy. Jasper was thought to drive away evil spirits and cure fevers, dropsy, and epilepsy. It was also believed to quicken thought and action, and at the same time ensure caution and the avoidance of needless risk.

However mankind’s relationship with Jasper, especially red jasper, is much more ancient than merely Medieval Europe, or even the Classical Greeks. It dates back as early as Stone-Age France (20,000 B.C.) where it was found to be used for ornamental objects; and to the ancient Babylonians (1,000 B.C.) where it was used in seals which have been found in ancient ruins. In between the Neolithic Stone Age and the Babylonians, green jasper was used to make bow drills in the Harappan Indus Valley civilization 7,000 years ago (circa 5,000 B.C.), and jewelry shortly thereafter. On Minoan Crete jasper was carved to produce seals almost 4,000 years ago (circa 1800 B.C.), as evidenced by archaeological recoveries at the palace of Knossos. In ancient China, green jasper was often used by the Chinese in place of (much more costly) jade in the mouth of the dead.

The ancient Egyptians used red jaspers to represent the blood of their goddess Isis. Amulets of the gem were said to have the same attributes as the goddess' blood itself, and when worn as an amulet helped prepare one for the judgment of Osiris upon death. Thus Chapter 156 of the Book of the Dead required the amulet in the form of the Girdle Tit of Isis, placed at the throat of the mummy, to be made of red jasper, whose blood-like coloring would enhance the words of the spell: ‘You have your blood, Isis; you have your power.’ Emanating from the same powers of Isis, an amulet carved of red jasper in the form of a serpent’s head was believed to prevent the body from being bitten by snakes in the underworld.

The ancient Egyptians also carved sacred scarab amulets from red jasper as a symbol of eternal life. The ancient Egyptian word for red jasper, khenmet (hnmt), was derived from the verb “hnm”, and meant “to delight”. Red jasper was extremely popular in Ancient Egypt, expensive, and especially favored for use in earrings. Red jasper came to ancient Egypt from Nubia (a region laying between present-day Southern Egypt and Sudan) and from Punt (somewhere as yet unknown in Africa) in the form of regular tributes to the Pharaoh. In fact an ancient papyrus detailing the tribute from Nubia survives to present time. Red jasper tributes from both Nubia and Punt were discovered in the Thebes tomb of Rekhmire and the tomb of Iamunedjeh; both were high officials of King Tuthmosis III (1450 B.C.).

Jasper was also carved into intaglio seals (as in signet rings), not only by the ancient Egyptians, but by the ancient Greeks and Romans as well, and was also very popular for use as carved cameos. The ancient Greeks and Romans believed that if athletes wore the stone they would gain endurance. The ancient Greeks called it heliotrope sun (helios) and turner (tropos) because it was believed to turn the sun red if the sun’s reflection was shown in a bowl of water holding the stone. Mankind’s belief that Jasper contained magical powers persisted well into the Middle Ages where jasper was a favorite gemstone with shamans, magicians and mystics.

Blue jasper was used as a medium to connect with the afterworld; red jasper was believed to enhance health, concentration, self-discipline, energy, focus and to shepherd a soul toward rebirth; yellow jasper protected the user while traveling to the spirit world; and brown jasper also providing protection in the form of “grounding”. One particular jasper known as “bloodstone” is a green stone with drops and splotches of red. The variety was so named by ancient Christians who believed that it represented the blood of the crucifixion dripping from Christ’s wounds onto a dark green stone that lay beneath it. Due to this belief, bloodstone became the favored stone of the Crusaders.

Jasper was used widely during the Renaissance in an art form known as “commesso”, the roots of which can be traced back to the ancient Roman Empire. During the later Roman Empire the art form was known as “opus sectile”, and it involved large pieces of thinly cut stone (marble, mother of pearl, chalcedonies such as jasper, glass, etc.) which were joined together to make a picture or design, much like a picture-puzzle, most often to be inlaid into walls and floors. The materials were cut into thin pieces, polished, and then cut according to the design so that they fit one another without the use of grout. Unlike mosaic techniques, where the placement of very small uniformly-sized pieces forms a design, “opus sectile” pieces were much larger and could be shaped to define large parts of the design.

In the Middle Ages the technique became known as “cosmatesque”, and floors and small columns on tombs and altars continued to use inlays of different colors in geometric patterns. Byzantine art continued with inlaid floors, but also produced some small religious figures in hardstone inlays. In the Italian Renaissance the technique was often referred to as “painting in stone”. The center of the art form was late 16th century in Florence, Italy. “Pictures” were created using thin, cut-to-shape pieces of brightly colored, semiprecious stones. “Commesso” pictures (also known as “pietra dura”), which typically made use of various chalcedonies such as jasper, ranged from emblematic and floral subjects to landscapes, and were used mainly for tabletops and small wall panels, but also for jewelry, cameos, small boxes, etc.

During the Renaissance jasper was also widely used as an architectural element in many of Europe's architectural "jewels." One such jewel is the Usimbardi Chapel inside the Church of Santa Trinita, built from 1602-07 in Florence, Italy. Renowned Florentine painter, architect, and poet Ludovico Cardi (1559-1613) decorated the pilaster strips of the chapel with agate, chalcedony, jasper and lapis lazuli inlays or "cladding". Another treasure is in Prague where the Chapel of St. Wenceslas, built in the 1400's completely inside the St. Vitus Cathedral, has walls of large paintings interspersed with stones of carnelian, amethyst, chalcedony, jasper and chrysoprase. St. Vitus Catherdral is considered to be the one of the most important monuments of Czech art, is dedicated to St. Vitus, an Italian martyr put to death by the Emperor Diocletian in 304 or 305 A.D.

In the ancient world jasper was used as a cure for skin, intestinal, and stomach disorders (including ulcers), as well as gynecological complaints. Green jasper in particular was used to cure kidney, spleen and gall bladder ailments. The green and red jasper known as “bloodstone” was (predictably) believed to stop bleeding or hemorrhaging. Jasper was also used as a sleep aid, and believed to bring happiness into the wearer’s life. In many ancient cultures, jasper was carved into amulets protective or magical devices guarding the wearer against illness, disaster, demons or harm in the afterlife (as described in detail in the preceding paragraphs). Modern practitioners believe that jasper has magical properties which can enhance the wearers spiritual connection to the earth, or in spells and charms for protection, stability, self-reliance, prosperity, inspiration and good fortune. Jasper is also believed to prevent nightmares and strengthen the mind against depression and negative thoughts.

The stone is also used to increase self confidence and independence and ward off mental or psychic domination by others, helping the wearer break free from an oppressive situation or an abusive relationship. Jasper is also believed to soothe nerves, ease the wearer's mental state, and to induce relaxation. Many contemporary healers also recommend jasper as an aid to healing after an illness, and believe that amongst its benefits is the ability to help the body absorb vitamins and minerals while expelling toxins. Jasper is also believed by many healers to cure insanity, bring out evil spirits in persons possessed by demons, aid in overcoming jealousy, and bring about truth and monetary gain [AncientGifts].

Onyx: Onyx is the name for the black (most often with white banding) variety of chalcedony. It has been used since antiquity where it was highly prized as a cameo stone. The layered color structure allows the engraver to cut the subject in one color while creating a background of another. According to Greek Mythology, the origins of onyx are traced to the Goddess Venus’s fingernails. One day when Venus (the Greco-Roman Goddess of Beauty) lay asleep the mischievous Cupid (her son and the God of Love) cut her fingernails and flew away leaving the fingernail clippings scattered on the ground. Because no part of a deity could be permitted to die, the gods turned the fingernail clippings into stone which later became known as onyx.

In fact the name “onyx” draws its origin from the Greek language in which “onux” means fingernails. In the ancient world, onyx was oftentimes more costly than either gold or silver, and one ancient reference recorded it as more valuable than sapphire. Onyx was used in ancient Egypt as early as the Second Dynasty (about 2800 B.C.) to make bowls and other items. Onyx also was amongst the artifacts recovered of Minoan Crete (about 1800 B.C.), notably from the archaeological discoveries at Knossos. Onyx became particularly famous in the hands of both the Greeks and Romans, who as described by the first century Roman historian and naturalist “Pliny the Elder”, crafted beautiful intaglio seals out of onyx.

Ancient Greek and Roman soldiers often wore a talisman of onyx, as it was believed that doing so would instill a sense of bravery in the soldiers. Oftentimes the talismans worn by Roman soldiers were carved with images of Hercules or Mars, the Roman God of War. Ancient historical accounts record that the Roman General Publius Cornelius Scipio (who defeated Hannibal at Carthage) frequently wore this gemstone. The Romans also believed that wearing onyx would enhance the growth of fingernails and regenerative skin growth. In nearby ancient Persia onyx was used by sorcerers and shamans who believed it enhanced intuition. In ancient India onyx was believed to calm the ardors of love, a belief which eventually was picked up by the Western World where onyx had the reputation of decreasing sexual desire.

The ancient Hindus also wore onyx to protect against the evil eye as it was believed that onyx had a trapped demon within. To the ancient Chinese, onyx was known as the "stone of sadness", and it was believed that even entering a mine where onyx was found might lead to terrifying dreams, doubts, and disputes. Onyx was also known to the ancient Hebrews. According to Genesis, onyx was found in the land of “Havilah”, "where the gold is", thought to refer to Egypt or Arabia. A precious commodity in Old Testament times, onyx is also mentioned frequently in the Bible, such as "Job regarded God's wisdom as a greater possession than even costly onyx." Onyx is also frequently cited as one of the twelve stones in the breastplate of the High Priest, Aaron, representing the twelve tribes of ancient Israel.

In the Medieval World onyx was believed useful in aiding the wearer to cure bad habits, and to help the wearer retain strength. However the beliefs of the ancient Chinese had spread to Europe by the Middle Ages, and onyx was also believed by many to bring bad luck, sadness, fear and images of madness in sleep, as well as to create discord and dispute. Medieval shamans and magicians believed that onyx would protect against misfortune and illness, and would prevent illusions, nightmares and confusion caused by evil spirits. Onyx was often used in magic to contact spirits of the dead, and as an aid to recall memories and visions of past lives. It was believed to “soften” barriers between the worlds, allowing travel between different planes of existence.

Shamans also believed that the stone could be used to summon friendly spirits to guide a dying soul on its journey to the next world. An onyx sphere was believed to protect the owner by providing a warning of impending danger. In the Renaissance onyx was believed to fill the wearer with a gift of eloquence (and was regarded with great value by public speakers and orators), particularly when expressing his or her love to a new romantic interest. It was also worn with the belief that it helped increase concentration and sharpen the wearer’s wits, and was also worn to enhance one’s spiritual inspiration. Onyx was also believed to bring unexpected good luck and opportunity to its owner and to protect them from the plots and ill wishes of their enemies.

Onyx is a variety chalcedony quartz, part of the agate family, and is formed in the gas cavities of lava. Generally the stone is black or black with white banding. Some onyx displays white and lighter reddish bands or ribbons against a brown background, this variety is known as sardonyx. When the onyx has a red base, it is known as carnelian-onyx. In the ancient world it was believed that onyx gave courage and bravery to the wearer, would warn the wearer of impending danger, would enhance the intuitive and prophetical abilities of sorcerers and magicians, would act as a guide to the souls of the deceased, would enable mediums to communicate with the dead and recall past lives, would protect against the “evil eye”, and would also cool the flames of sexual desire. It was also believed to enhance the growth of fingernails and skin, to enhance intelligence and the ability to concentrate, would help the wearer break bad habits, enhance the wearer’s oratorical abilities, and would protect the wearer from evil spells and nightmares.

Modern practitioners believe that onyx is useful in healing old emotional wounds and enabling the wearer to move ahead by forgetting the past experiences of bad relationships, and as well help form new romantic relationships by improving expressive abilities between lovers. For absent-minded people onyx is regarded as being very helpful in increasing concentration levels and calming the mind amidst the chaotic conditions of modern life, even so far as being recommended for the treatment of various neurological disorders. Some modern practitioners claim that onyx can help physical ailments such as hearing problems, heart trouble, and ulcers. It is also believed to encourage new hair growth for those suffering from baldness, and is also believed an aid to those who are trying to break bad habits. Onyx is also said to lend comfort in unfamiliar surroundings, alleviating feelings of loneliness and alienation [AncientGifts].

Tiger’s-Eye: Tiger's-eye has been enormously popular in various Asian cultures for thousands of years. Cabochon cut stones of this variety show “chatoyancy” (a small ray of light on the surface) that resembles the feline eye of a tiger. The ancient source for Tiger’s eye was India, where it was a very important trade good, and was traded throughout the ancient Orient and into the Mediterranean. It was used as a very important healing stone by both the ancient Egyptians as well as the Greeks. Many ancient Egyptian statues of their various gods have been found with eyes made from tiger’s-eye. According to ancient legends, tiger’s-eye enabled the wearer to be “all seeing”, even to the point of being able to see through walls, enabling one to observe what was happening in another room.

Tiger’s-eye was not only worn to enable “clear vision”, but also to drive off phantoms and shades of the dead. It was often carried by nighttime travelers for these purposes, as well as to help them see in the dark. Worn as a talisman it was believed to protect against curses and enchantments (“spells”), and to protect against illness as well. The ancient Egyptians also believed that tiger’s-eye would bring good fortune to the wearer. Tiger’s-eye was also quite popular in the ancient Middle East. The Assyrians (neighbors to the Babylonians) carved tiger's-eye into cylinders which were covered with depictions of mythic creatures and names of gods. These cylinders were then worn about the neck as charms for protection.

Tiger’s-eye was also worn in the Near East as protection against the “evil eye”. There was an ancient belief that some evil sorcerers or witches had the ability to transmit evil with just a glance. Certain items of personal adornment (amulets, talismans, etc.) were thought to protect the wearer from the "evil eye" by the proviso of an always watchful open eye and tiger’s-eye was just that, an always open and watchful “eye”. A thousand years later Roman soldiers carried tiger’s-eye, often with the forms of lions and hawks carved into the gemstone, believing that it gave them an advantage over their opponents in combat, inspiring courage and providing protection as well.

In much of ancient Africa tiger’s-eye was considered to be “the” gemstone of royalty. It was believed that an amulet of tiger’s-eye would grow heavier in presence of predators, providing advance warning of danger to the wearer. Tiger’s-eye is a form of chalcedony quartz which contains brown iron trace elements which produces its golden-yellow color. Tiger’s-eye “began life” as a form of natural asbestos. Asbestos is a mineral fiber, a form of hydrous magnesium silicate. Ancient civilizations recognized asbestos’s resistance to fire. The name is derived from its historical use in lamp wicks. Ancient Egyptians used asbestos for burial cloths to protect the dead during their journey to the afterlife.

During volcanic events, the fibrous asbestos is replaced by iron-bearing quartz called limonite. This is what creates the dazzling golden luminous eye of the tiger that provides such elegant beauty in tiger’s-eye stone. In the ancient world many cultures believed that wearing tiger's-eye was beneficial for health and spiritual well being. It was used by ancient shamans and mystics as a psychic protection (against evil spirits) and as an aid to achieving clarity. In the Medieval World and into the Renaissance wearing a talisman of tiger’s-eye was believed to enhance business fortunes, and that tiger’s eye could bestow upon the wearer the strength to persevere and overcome fatigue or discouragement. Wearing tiger’s-eye was also believed during the Renaissance to make the wearer irresistible to the opposite sex, overcoming lethargy and boosting the wearer’s sex drive.

Modern practitioners attribute to tiger’s-eye the ability to relieve high blood pressure, and beneficial to those who suffer from skin diseases, bronchial asthma, rheumatic heart disease, kidney disease, and to aid hypochondriacs. It is also claimed to be a “stone of balance”, useful to mediators and diplomats, as it is claimed that tiger’s eye helps the wearer see both sides of an argument and make detached, logical judgments. Tiger’s-eye is also said to increase confidence, especially when speaking in public. Another benefit ascribed to the stone is that it enables the wearer to calm and center themselves when they feel scattered and unorganized. Further that the wearing the stone will enhance integrity, willpower, and courage. It is also claimed that meditation with the stone can help the wearer find the “path of power” that lies between polarities, as well as enhance visualization skills, psychic vision and insights [AncientGifts].

: We always ship books domestically (within the USA) via USPS INSURED media mail (“book rate”). There is also a discount program which can cut postage costs by 50% to 75% if you’re buying about half-a-dozen books or more (5 kilos+). Our postage charges are as reasonable as USPS rates allow. ADDITIONAL PURCHASES do receive a VERY LARGE

Your purchase will ordinarily be shipped within 48 hours of payment. We package as well as anyone in the business, with lots of protective padding and containers. International tracking is provided free by the USPS for certain countries, other countries are at additional cost.

We do offer U.S. Postal Service Priority Mail, Registered Mail, and Express Mail for both international and domestic shipments, as well United Parcel Service (UPS) and Federal Express (Fed-Ex). Please ask for a rate quotation. Please note for international purchasers we will do everything we can to minimize your liability for VAT and/or duties. But we cannot assume any responsibility or liability for whatever taxes or duties may be levied on your purchase by the country of your residence. If you don’t like the tax and duty schemes your government imposes, please complain to them. We have no ability to influence or moderate your country’s tax/duty schemes.

If upon receipt of the item you are disappointed for any reason whatever, I offer a no questions asked 30-day return policy. Obviously we have no ability to influence, modify or waive eBay policies.

ABOUT US: Prior to our retirement we used to travel to Eastern Europe and Central Asia several times a year seeking antique gemstones and jewelry from the globe’s most prolific gemstone producing and cutting centers. Most of the items we offer came from acquisitions we made in Eastern Europe, India, and from the Levant (Eastern Mediterranean/Near East) during these years from various institutions and dealers. Much of what we generate on Etsy, Amazon and Ebay goes to support worthy institutions in Europe and Asia connected with Anthropology and Archaeology. Though we have a collection of ancient coins numbering in the tens of thousands, our primary interests are ancient/antique jewelry and gemstones, a reflection of our academic backgrounds.

Though perhaps difficult to find in the USA, in Eastern Europe and Central Asia antique gemstones are commonly dismounted from old, broken settings – the gold reused – the gemstones recut and reset. Before these gorgeous antique gemstones are recut, we try to acquire the best of them in their original, antique, hand-finished state – most of them originally crafted a century or more ago. We believe that the work created by these long-gone master artisans is worth protecting and preserving rather than destroying this heritage of antique gemstones by recutting the original work out of existence. That by preserving their work, in a sense, we are preserving their lives and the legacy they left for modern times. Far better to appreciate their craft than to destroy it with modern cutting.

Not everyone agrees – fully 95% or more of the antique gemstones which come into these marketplaces are recut, and the heritage of the past lost. But if you agree with us that the past is worth protecting, and that past lives and the produce of those lives still matters today, consider buying an antique, hand cut, natural gemstone rather than one of the mass-produced machine cut (often synthetic or “lab produced”) gemstones which dominate the market today. We can set most any antique gemstone you purchase from us in your choice of styles and metals ranging from rings to pendants to earrings and bracelets; in sterling silver, 14kt solid gold, and 14kt gold fill. We would be happy to provide you with a certificate/guarantee of authenticity for any item you purchase from us. I will always respond to every inquiry whether via email or eBay message, so please feel free to write.