The author’s platter….
Although there are numerous textbooks on gemmology, mineralogy, minerals, origin, sources, locations, gem species (organic and inorganic), synthetic and treated gem materials, following are the author’s personal favourites in understanding the core principles and which have served as ‘more often used’ references during routine gem identification at the laboratory and for various publications.
| On General Gemmology | ||
| Title | Author/s | Snapshot |
| Color Encyclopedia of Gemstone (1987) | Joel E. Arem | A quick as well as detailed description of all major and many lesser known gems in alphabetical order is on offer. A remarkable reference material |
| Dictionary of Gems and Gemology (2005) | Dr. Mohsen Manutchehr – Danai | Provides brief description of approximately 25,000 gemmological terms along with many figures and illustrations |
| Gem Testing – 10th Edition (1990) | B. W. Anderson – revised by E.A. Jobbins | A typical textbook on identifying gems covering description on properties and identification techniques |
| Gemology | Cornelius S. Hurlbut and George S. Switzer | One of the earlier books on modern gemmology covering occurrence to identification to cutting and polishing |
| Gemmology (1991) Gemmology – 2nd Edition (1999) Gemmology – 3rd Edition (2007) | Peter G. Read | Classic gemmological text in simple yet illustrative manner |
| Gems – Their Sources, Description and Identification – 5th Edition (1994 | Robert Webster; revised by P.G. Read | ‘The Bible’ for a gemmologist! |
| Gems – 6th Edition (2006) Gems – 6th Edition (2006) | Edited by Michael O’ Donoghue | Although one part on identification is completely removed, this edition adds details on gemstone species |
| Handbook of Gem Identification (1993) | R. T. Liddicoat Jr. | A simple colour-wise description of key identifying features of gemstones using limited equipment |
| Identification of Gemstones (2003) | Michael O’ Donoghue and Louise Joyner | A discussion on properties of gems along with their simulants, synthetics and interesting encounters |
| Internal World of Gemstones (1979) | E. J. Gübelin and J.I. Koivula | A must have book on understanding of inclusions and their description |
| Photoatlas of Inclusions in Gemstones Volume 1 (1997) Volume 2 (2005) Volume 3 (2008) | E. J. Gübelin and J.I. Koivula | A photo library of inclusions – their characteristics, classification, formation, identification and much more……A serious gemmologist can’t exist without all the three volumes! |
| Understanding Rough Gemstones | Shyamala Fernandes and Gagan Choudhary | One of the only book giving insight on identifying and assessing rough gemstones |
| Gems Aur Rocks – in Hindi | Gagan Choudhary | The only book in Hindi offering up-to-date gemmological information in simple and effective Hindi |
| Exotic Gems – Volume 1 to 4 | Renee Newman | Covers detection and buying tips for all major coloured gemstones, with hundreds of coloured photographs |
| Gem Identification Made Easy, 6th Edition | Antoinette Matlins | The book explains in non-technical terms how to identify diamonds and coloured gems and their separation from imitations and “look-alikes.” |
| On Minerals, Mineralogy and Origin | ||
| Title | Author/s | Snapshot |
| A Textbook of Mineralogy – Fourth Edition (2005) | William E. Ford and Edward Salisbury Dana | A standard textbook explaining the concepts of mineralogy – crystallography, optics, properties of minerals and gems, and much more |
| Gemstones and Their origins (1990) | Peter C. Keller | A simple and illustrative explanation on the formation of various gemstone deposits |
| Mineralogy (1985) | A. V. Milovsky and O.V. Kononov | A university book on mineralogy. Divided into three parts; first part describes general properties, second minerals and gemstones on the basis chemical groups, and third formation |
| Optical Mineralogy – The Nonopaque Minerals (1986) | W.M. Revell Phillips and Dana T. Griffen | A tabular description of properties of gems and minerals |
| Optical Mineralogy (1959) | Paul F. Kerr | A classic text on the concepts of optics, spectroscopic techniques and mineral structures |
| Reviews in Mineralogy; Volume 12 – Fluid Inclusions (1984) | Edwin Roedder | A highly rated text on explanation on the formation and characteristics of fluid inclusions in gemstones |
| Rutley’s Elements of Mineralogy (1991) | Rev by C. D. Gribble | Explains the key concepts of mineralogy and geology |
| The Illustrated Encyclopedia of the Mineral Kingdom (1978) | Hamlyn; consultant editor Dr. Alan Woolley | A pictorial encyclopedia revealing the beauty of rough gems and minerals |
| On Optics and Light | ||
| Title | Author/s | Snapshot |
| Crystals and Light – An introduction to Optical Crystallography (1977) | Elizabeth A. Wood | Explains the behaviour of light and its various phenomena as it enters into a crystal |
| Fluorescence – Gems and Minerals Under Ultra Violet Light (1994) | Manuel Robbins | A comprehensive catalogue of known fluorescent minerals giving their characteristics, including description of colour variations in a quick-reference format |
| The Physics and Chemistry of Color (1983) | Kurt Nassau | A comprehensive explanation on the causes of colour |
| The Spectroscope and Gemmology (1998) | Basil Anderson and James Payne; Edited by R. Keith Mitchell | A collection of visible-range spectra as seen by a gemmological spectroscope |
| The Spectroscope and Typical Absorption Spectra (1993) | Richard T. Liddicoat | Provides a quick and handy reference table for gemmological spectroscope |
| On Locations | ||
| Title | Author/s | Snapshot |
| Brazil – Paradise of Gemstones (1982) | Jules Roger Sauer | Beautifully illustrated guide, showcasing the beauty of gems from Brazil along with the important locations |
| Emeralds of Pakistan – Geology, Gemology & Genesis (1989) | Ali H. Kazmi and L.W. Snee | A detailed description of occurrence, origin and properties of emeralds of Pakistan |
| Fine Minerals of China (2006) | Guanghua Liu | A photo description of minerals and gemstones found in China along with the locations |
| Gems and Gem Deposits of Sri-Lanka (1995) | H.S. Gunaratne and C.B. Dissanayake | One of the very few monographs on Sri-Lankan gems. Covers geology of the island, followed by details on about 38 gem species |
| Gems and Gem Industry in India (2000) Gems and Gem Industry in India (2000) | R.V. Karanth | The only book written on the status of gem industry in modern India, covering gemmology in general |
| Gemstones of Afghanistan (1995) | Gary W. Bowersox and Bonita E. Chamberlin | The first book ever written on the geology, history and lore of gems and minerals in Afghanistan |
| Gemstones of East Africa (1992) | Peter C. Keller | The one and only description on the gems and geology of this mineral rich part of the world |
| Madagascar – A Mineral and Gemstone Paradise (2001) (extra Lapis English No. 1) | Edited by Federico Pezzotta | First monograph on Madagascan topological mineralogy in English |
| Mogok – Valley of Rubies & Sapphires (2000) | Ted Themelis | Description of amazingly illustrative history and status of gems and gem industry in the land of ‘classical’ rubies and sapphires |
| Pakistan – Minerals, Mountains & Majesty (2004) (extraLapis English No. 6) | Various authors | An overview of the gemstone wealth in the high mountains of Pakistan. Many wonderful images |
| Russian Alexandrites (2010) | Karl Schmetzer | The only work on the subject |
| On Species | ||
| Title | Author/s | Snapshot |
| Beryl (1986) | John Sinkankas and Peter G. Read | A condensed version of the epic work, ‘Emerald and Other Beryls’ by the first author |
| Beryl and Its Colour Varieties (2005) (extraLapis English No.7) | Various authors | Description of varieties of beryl – aquamarine, heliodor, morganite, goshenite, emerald and red beryl with their worldwide occurrence and beautiful images |
| Emerald (1993) | Fred Ward | A buying guide – covering mines to the market of emeralds |
| Emerald and Other Beryls (1981) | John Sinkankas | An epic on the subject |
| Emeralds – A Passionate Guide (2009) | Ronald Ringsrud | An emerald celebration – one of the finest descriptive and illustrative information on emeralds – be it technical, practical or a romance! |
| Emeralds of the World (2002) (extraLapis English No. 2) | Various authors | A tribute to legendry John Sinkankas, this issue covers the worldwide occurrence of emeralds with exceptional quality photographs |
| The Emerald (1998) | Association Francaise De Gemmologie Edited by Didier Giard | A compilation of various facets of emerald trade in French with abstracts in English is provides an exceptional experience |
| Calcite – The Mineral With the Most Forms (2003) (extraLapis English No. 4) | Various authors | Indulge in the beauty of numerous photographs of this common mineral |
| Ruby & Sapphire (1997) | Richard W. Hughes | An epic on the subject – a must have for everyone – whether you are a gemmologist or a gem dealer |
| Rubies & Sapphires (revised edition) (1998) | Fred Ward | A buying guide – covering mines to the market of rubies and sapphires |
| Diamond Grading ABC – 11th edition (1993) | Verena Pagel Theisen | It’s not only the ABC of diamond grading but is A to Z |
| Diamonds – 2nd edition (1978) | Eric Bruton | An epic on diamonds |
| Fancy Coloured Diamonds (1994) | Harvey Harris | The one of its kind book on coloured diamonds, describes the causes of colour of each diamond colour, their grading systems, synthesis and treatments |
| Photo Masters for Diamond Grading (1994) | Gary A. Roskin | An important reference manual for diamond grading |
| Rough Diamonds – A Practical Guide (1998) | Nizam Peter | A practical guide for identifying the many shapes of rough diamonds, covering cutting and polishing |
| The Diamond Formula: Diamond Synthesis – A Gemmological Perspective (2000) | Amanda S. Barnard | Provides technical aspects of diamond synthesis, along with their identification |
| The Diamond (1977) | George G. Blakey | Overviews mines to market of diamond, providing insight into the romance, exploration, identification, and much more |
| The MicroWorld of Diamonds (2000) | John I. Koivula | A visual image library covering the many micro features found in rough and cut diamonds. A very useful library complementing the three volumes of Photoatlas of Inclusions in Gemstones |
| Diamonds (1993) | Fred Ward | A buying guide – covering mines to the market of diamond |
| Diamonds: Their History, Sources, Qualities and Benefits | Renee Newman | This lavishly illustrated guide covers the significance of the diamond from antiquity to the present day, mining and processing, geographic sources, and much more |
| Diamond Ring Buying Guide: How to Evaluate, Identify, Select & Care For Diamonds & Diamond Jewelry, 8th Edition | Renee Newman | A visual guide to evaluating diamond color, clarity, transparency, shape and cut |
| Diamond Handbook: A Practical Guide to Diamond Evaluation, 3rd Edition | Renee Newman | It expands on the information in the Diamond Ring Buying Guide and covers additional topics such as diamond grading certificates, light performance, fancy colored diamonds, new cut grading systems, branded diamonds, diamond recutting, antique diamonds & jewelry, and diamond fluorescence |
| Fluorite – The Collector’s Choice (2006) (extraLapis English series) | Various authors | The only known monograph on the subject; highly illustrative images |
| Garnet (1986) | John D. Rouse | The only monograph on the subject |
| Jade (1991) | Roger Keverne | A comprehensive and authoritative work on jade |
| The Jade Kingdom (1986) | Paul E. Desautels | An illustrative guide to the history, sources, lore, mineralogy, gemmology and art of jade |
| Jade (1996) | Fred Ward | A buying guide – covering mines to the market of jade |
| The World of Opals (1997) | Allan W. Eckert | A complete guide to the science, history, occurrence and properties of these remarkable gems |
| Opal – Identification and Value (1992) | Paul B. Downing | An important text on identification and valuation of opals |
| Opal – The Phenomenal Gemstone (2007) (extraLapis English No. 10) | Various authors | A photo-description of opals |
| Opals (1997) | Fred Ward | A buying guide – covering mines to the market of opals |
| Quartz (1987) | Michael O’ Donoghue | The oldest monograph on the subject |
| Topaz (1992) | D. B. Hoover | A comprehensive monograph on the subject |
| The Tourmaline Group (1985) | R.V. Dietrich | A mineralogical overview of this important gem group |
| Tourmaline (2002) (extraLapis English No. 3) | Various authors | Look for an illustrative description of this incredible gem |
| Ruby & Sapphire – A Collector’s Guide | Richard W. Hughes | An intellectual and visual guide explaining what the collectors should be looking at, assisting in making buying decisions |
| Ruby & Sapphire – A Gemologist’s Guide | Richard W. Hughes, with Wimon Manorotkul & E. Billie Hughes | Highly expanded version of the original Ruby & Sapphire (1997), covering A-Z on the subject |
| Modern Gemmology – Emerald (Limited Edition) | Dietmar Schwarz & Martial Curti | A comprehensive doumentation of emeralds from major commercial deposits and their characteristics |
| On Organic Gems | ||
| Title | Author/s | Snapshot |
| Amber – The Golden Gem of The Ages (1980) | Patty C. Rice | Takes you on a tour to the history and lore to modern sources and commercial usage of this fossil resin |
| Amber (1987) Amber (1987) | Helen Fraquet | A wealth of information covering gemmological and technical aspects of amber |
| Gem and Ornamental Materials of Organic Origin (2004) | Maggie Campbell Pedersen | One of the best text on the formation, classification and identification of various organic gems |
| Pearls – Natural, Cultured and Imitation (1986) | Alexander E. Farn | Detailed description of types of pearls and separation between natural, cultured and imitation counterparts |
| Pearls – Their Origin, Treatment & Identification (1985) | Jean Taburiaux | Nice description on the formation and identification of pearls |
| Pearls (1995) | Fred Ward | A buying guide – revealing recovery of pearls to their marketing and care |
| The Book of the Pearl – The History, Art, Science and Industry of the Queen of Gems (1993) | George Frederick Kunz and Charles Hugh Stevenson | The best book on pearls, presenting its history as well as many technical aspects with a trip to major pearl fisheries around the world |
| On Synthetics and Treatments | ||
| Title | Author | Snapshot |
| Beryllium Treated Rubies & Sapphires (2003) | Ted Themelis | A practical reference guide based on the author’s experiments illustrating the treatment procedures, gemmology, identification, stability and disclosure policies |
| Flux Enhanced Rubies & Sapphires (2004) | Ted Themelis | A practical reference guide illustrating the treatment procedures, detection features, stability and disclosure policies |
| Gemstone Enhancement – History, Science and State of Art – 2nd Edition (1994) | Kurt Nassau | The only comprehensive book describing various methods of gem enhancement |
| The Heat Treatment of Ruby & Sapphire (1992) | Ted Themelis | Detailed text describing recipe for cooking rubies and sapphires |
| The Heat Treatment of Ruby & Sapphire – 2nd Edition (2010) | Ted Themelis | 2nd volume of the 1992 edition, with revised techniques and experiments |
| Gems Made by Man (1980) | Kurt Nassau | The finest and the most comprehensive book on synthesis |
| Synthetic, Imitation & Treated Gemstones (1997) | Michael O’ Donoghue | A typical gemmology book describing synthetic, imitation and treated gems |
| The Science of Gemstone Treatments (2020) | Rajneesh Bhandari & Gagan Choudhary | A practical guide describing science behind gemstone treatments, various methods and their detection. |
| Other titles of interest | ||
| Title | Author/s | Snapshot |
| Gem Cutting – A Lapidary Manual (1984) | John Sinkankas | A step by step description of the techniques used in processing a rough stone into a magnificent gem |
| Amethyst Uruguay (2008) | Reinhard Balzer | A monograph on the deposits and mining of amethyst from ‘not so famous’ location |
| The Emerald Book (2006) | Yogi Durlabhji, Shyamala Fernandes and Ruchi Durlabhji | The only of its kind book on this amazingly exciting world of emeralds, covering various aspects of the emerald trade from romance and rhapsody to evolution of Jaipur trade to various sources of emeralds |
| Great Diamonds of India (2002) | Monisha Bharadwaj | Authoritative and lavishly illustrative history of Indian diamond |
| Romance Of The Golconda Diamonds (1999) | Omar Khalidi | Reveals the history and lore of many famous diamonds originated from the great Golconda Diamond Fields, such as ‘koh-i-noor’ |
| Gemmologists’ Compendium | Robert Webster | A quick reference book, providing glossary of gemmological terms in first part and many identification tables in second |
| Mani Mala – A Treatise on Gems – Volume 1 & 2 (1879) (new foreword by Dr. N. R. Barot in 1996) | Sourindro Mohun Tagore | One of the oldest text on gemmology with Indian context |
| Minerals – An illustrated exploration of the dynamic world of minerals and their properties (1994) | George W. Robinson | Indulge in the beauty of crystals and their formation by various geological processes |
| Pearls – Ornament and Obsession (1992) | Kristin Joyce and Shellei Addison | A story teller on various realms of myth, history, science, commerce, design and the art of pearls from prehistory to 20th century |
| Red Coral – Jewel of the sea (1989) | Basilio Liverino | An interesting illustrative representation of the history, lore and uses of coral |
| Terra Spinel | Vlad Yavorskyy and Richard Hughes | The only monograph on this gem….not gemmology, but a celebration, as authors describe |
| The Smale Collection – Beauty in Natural Crystals (2006) | Steve Smale | The beauty of crystals at its best |
| The Amber Book (1995) | Ake Dahlstrom and Leif Brost | Describes the formation and geologic setting in the Baltic region and elsewhere along with its detection |
| The Color Treasury of Gemstones (1975) | Dr. Eduard Gübelin | A tour to the beauty of gems, their exploration, history, science and secrets |
| The Curious Lore of Precious Stones | George F. Kunz | Illustrates the usage of precious stones at different times among different cultures |
| Visual Optics (1995) | Alan Hodgkinson | A classic by the expert on identifying gems by judging light visually and its behaviour as it passes through a gem |
| Emerald City: The Birth and Evoloution of an Indian Gemtstone Industry (2013) | Lawrence A. Babb | An intriguing portrait of the gemstone cutting industry of Jaipur. |
Try out the following to buy these books…
The journals are equally important……
Access to the journals along with books is equally important, as this helps to go hand in hand with the developments and fast changing industry. Here are few of the important ones amongst the numerous being published around the world….
A gemmologist’s perspective
Gems & Gemology from Gemological Institute of America (GIA)
Journal of Gemmology from Gemmological Association of Great Britain (Gem-A)
Gems & Jewellery from Gemmological Association of Great Britain (Gem-A)
The Australian Gemmologist from The Gemmological Association of Australia (GAA)
InColor from International Colored Gemstone Association (ICA)
The Mineralogical Record from Mineralogical Record, Inc
Lab Information Circular from IIGJ-Research & Laboratories Centre (formerly GTL, Jaipur)
A trader’s perspective
Jewelers’ Keystone Circular (JCK) from Reed Exhibitions – Reed Elsevier Inc.
Jewellery News Asia from UBM Asia Ltd
The Guide from GemWorld International Inc.
National Jeweler from Jewelers of america
Rapaport from Martin Rapaport
Solitaire from The Gem & Jewellery Export Promotion Council of India
Gem World from Jewellers’ Association Jaipur