The Reference Shelf

A list of recommended reference works on gems, jewelry, beads, minerals, and fossils follows, arranged by topic. There are hundreds of titles that may be of interest, and those given are recommended as a good start for a basic reference shelf.

See our Media Reviews Section for more descriptive and thorough reviews of books & videos.

PLEASE NOTE: Prices listed are the original listed publication price set at the date of print, and is only listed as a guideline. The actual price of purchase may have increased or decreased since then, due to inflation, availability of the book, and other circumstances. Lapidary Journal assumes no responsibility for price differences.

BEADS CAMEOS FIELD COLLECTING FOSSILS GEMS INFORMATION FOR THE JEWELRY RETAILER JEWELRY MAKING

KEYS TO THE LITERATURE METEORITES MINERALS PETRIFIED WOOD PHOTOGRAPHY TRAVEL ZEOLITES

Also check out the Book Reviews section! Lapidary Journal Merchandise: Books for Sale

CAMEOS

Cameos: Old and New, Anna M. Miller, 216 pages, (Chapman and Hall, London), 1998, $19.95 (out of print). Books describing cameos occupy many feet of shelf space in better libraries because they have had such a long and important history. This is the only book, however, which is a guide for the cameo collector. It explains how to judge quality, spot fakes, and estimate the age of cameos. It is ideal for the beginner and an absolute necessity for the expert. Buy Cameos: Old and New from Barnes & Noble.

FIELD COLLECTING

Collecting the Natural World: Legal Requirements and Personal Liability for Collecting Plants, Animals, Rocks, Minerals, and Fossils, by Donald Wolberg and Patsy Reinard, Geoscience Press, Tucson, AZ, 330 pages, $24. This husband-and-wife team of a leading paleontologist and a lawyer well-versed on public-lands law has provided an essential guide for everyone who does any kind of field collecting. This book should be in every club library and should be read before you dig up that great specimen or treasure on either public or private land. Buy Collecting the Natural World from Barnes & Noble. Field Collecting Gemstones and Minerals (earlier editions titled Gemstones and Minerals: How and Where to Find Them), Dr. John Sinkankas, 397 pages, Geoscience Press, Tucson, AZ, $25. Probably the best general description written for the layperson about how, where, and why gem and mineral deposits form. Invaluable information for the field collector and an excellent general introduction to the geology of mineral deposits. Buy Field Collecting Gemstones and Minerals from Barnes & Noble.

FOSSILS

American Dinosaur: The Vanishing of a Gembone, Tom Helfrich, 51 pages, self-published, San Diego, CA, $40 paperback. An ardent fan of agatized and jasperized dinosaur as a gem, Helfrich has compiled an enormous amount of information about dinosaurs, dinosaur bone, and dinosaur bone as a gem. He describes the geology of dinosaur bone, and presents this information accurately in a form that is attractive and easy to understand. With its beautiful high quality photographs that were reproduced by color Xerox, Helfrich has bound this large formatted book in such a way that individual pages can be added, and the illustrations can be taken out and framed. The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Dinosaurs, David B. Norman, 208 pages, Crescent Books, through Salamander Books, London, 1995, $19.99. Appropriate for the layman and interesting to all who are intrigued by dinosaurs. The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Fossils, Giovanni Pinna, translated by Jay Hyames, Facts on File, NY, 1990, $35. An introduction to the past with examples of more than a thousand fossil specimens. Now out of print, but still worth looking for in second-hand bookstores. The Rex Files, by Peter L. Larson, 69 pages, Black Hills Institute of Geological Research, Inc., 217 Main St., P.O. Box 643, Hill City, SD, 57745, 1996, $20. Peter Larson is the president of the Black Hills Institute of Geological Research and an acknowledged expert on dinosaurs. This book has a great deal of authoritative information on Tyrannosaurus Rex that will appeal to anyone interested in dinosaurs. The book contains a first-hand account of the clumsy raid by the F.B.I. to seize the Tyrannosaurus named Sue for reasons that, according to an article in the South Dakota Law Review, were spurious at best.

GEMS

The Agates of Northern Mexico, Brad Cross, 201 pages, Burgess International Group, Inc., Edina, MN, 1996, $49.95. A thorough and well-written discussion of nearly 100 different kinds of agates, jaspers, and geodes from Northern Mexico. Each is carefully described. The locality and history of each occurrence is recounted, and the role of various, often colorful individuals involved with each agate is described. A fine section of the book gives the history of 31 of the most important individuals, living and dead, involved in opening up these agate fields which have provided many of the most beautiful agates found anywhere. Brad Cross has done an amazing job of first-hand research and preservation of history that will soon be lost forever as these pioneers pass on to better diggings. The Book of the Pearl: The History, Art, Science, and Industry of the Queen of Gems, Dr. George Kunz and Charles Stevenson, 548 pages, Originally published by the Century Co., New York, NY, 1908, reprinted by Dover Publications, Mineola, NY, 1993, 548 pages, $17.95. Although obviously dated, this is still the most important book on pearls ever published. Stevenson, who was an expert with the U.S. Department of Fisheries, and Kunz, America's pioneer gemologist, have written a thoroughly researched and clear book. It contains a wealth of information, especially about the history of pearls that can be used to "romance the stone" when dealing with jewelry that includes pearls. Buy The Book of the Pearl from Barnes & Noble. Collecting and Classifying Coloured Diamonds, Stephen C. Hofer, 742 pages, Ashland Press, New York, NY, 1998, $300. This huge (12" x 9" x 2" thick) book is one of the most extraordinary monographs ever published on a single gem, let alone a single property (color) of a gem. It treats the subject of natural color in "fancy" diamonds and how modern color theory is applied to them in such a way that anyone with an interest in color in gems will learn a great deal. It is well and clearly written, oftentimes with humor, and is a pleasure to read. The more than 700 color photographs are very carefully and precisely done. One does not often find the qualities of a superb coffee table book concomitant with an authoritative and well-written scientific work. This is a superlative book in every way. Buy Collecting and Classifying Coloured Diamonds from Barnes & Noble. The Color Encyclopedia of Gemstones, Dr. Joel Arem, 231 pages, Van Nostrand Reinhold, NY, 1987, $72.95 (out of print). A convenient, comprehensive compilation of information about all of the 200-plus gemstones that have been cut, plus a chapter on synthetics. Accurate and easy to use, it is one of the most popular reference books in the gem trades. The Complete Handbook of Gemstone Weight Estimation, Charles Carmona, Gemania Publishing, Los Angeles, CA, 1998, $59.95. For anyone attempting to accurately appraise the value of the gemstones in a piece of jewelry, making an estimate of the actual weight of the set stones is critical. Short of unmounting the stones and weighing them individually, one perforce must estimate the weights. This book with its easy-to-use tables and formulas enables one to vastly refine that estimate. The amount of work and experience distilled into this book is staggering. It will be of inestimable value to anyone who has to appraise gem-set jewelry. Buy The Complete Handbook for Gemstone Weight Estimation from Barnes & Noble. The Curious Lore of Precious Stones, Dr. George Kunz, 406 pages, Dover Publications, Inc., NY, $11.95. The most complete and authoritative scholarly book on lore and superstitions surrounding gemstones. Originally published in 1913, it is a timeless collection of information from a wide variety of sources, particularly historic and ethnographic publications. Although often available in metaphysical stores, it is, in fact, a serious scientific work and is very useful to anyone who has an interest in the different cultural beliefs surrounding gemstones at various times. Used hardcover copies of the original editions are occasionally available from out-of-print book dealers, but are nearly always fairly expensive. Buy The Curious Lore of Precious Stones from Barnes & Noble. The Dealer's Book of Gems and Diamonds, by Menahem Sevdermish and Albert Mashia, 2 volumes, Mada Avanim Yekarot Ltd., Israel, 1996. This is a unique book about gems. It is written to provide technically correct information about gems of importance to anyone in the trade. Both authors are leading gemologists in Israel and also experienced members of the trade. This is no dry and technical recounting of refractive indices and specific gravities. It gives the reader cutting-edge information about each gemstone, its properties, occurrences, treatments, and other useful information for the person making their living in the gem world. In addition, all the technical stuff is there in an easily digestible form. This is the most practical gemology book we know of. Dictionary of Gemmology, Peter Read, 266 pages, Butterworths, London, 1994, $32.95. A convenient, up-to-date reference which attempts to give a short, succinct definition for terms used in the gemological literature. Emerald and other Beryls, Dr. John Sinkankas, 665 pages, Geoscience Press, Tucson, AZ, 1981, $40 (out of print). One of the most complete and scholarly monographs ever published on one group of gems. Considers in detail all aspects of beryl as a gem material including history and lore, crystallography, optical properties, color and luminescence, inclusions, synthetics, simulents, gemology, and deposits. As with all Sinkankas' works, it is extensively and accurately referenced. The Encyclopedia of Gemstones and Minerals, Martin Holden, 303 pages, Facts on File, Inc., NY, 1991, $45. A selection of more than 225 gemstones, minerals, and other entries is graced with clear color photographs of fine specimens. Information accompanying each heading is rich with historical notes, gem and industrial mineral uses, location notes, and specifics on the stone's physical properties. This is one encyclopedia that is just fun to read. Gem and Lapidary Materials for Cutters, Collectors, and Jewelers, by June Culp Zeitner, 347 pages, Geoscience Press, Tucson, AZ, $50 (hardcover), $40 (softcover). Mrs. Zeitner, long-time rockhound, teacher, and special assistant editor for Lapidary Journal, has put together a book which will be of tremendous utility to everybody interested in gems, minerals, and jewelry. Zeitner brings her wealth of knowledge and experience as well as a practiced, clear writing style to the problem of supplying a one-stop source of information about each and every gem material any of us are likely to encounter. She efficiently provides us with the most pertinent and interesting facts about each material, including sources, history, notable specimens, localities, and lapidary characteristics. This is an invaluable reference work for every rockhound, jeweler, and gemologist. Buy Gem and Lapidary Materials for Cutters, Collectors, and Jewelers from Barnes & Noble. Gem Care, Fred Ward, 32 pages, Gem Book Publishers, Bethesda, Maryland, 1995, $9.95. Fred Ward, famed National Geographic author and gem expert, has written the only book ever devoted to care of gems, and it should be in the hands of every person who likes gems and jewelry. He presents all the relevant facts in a simple and easy-to-understand manner with the bonus of beautiful Geographic-quality color illustrations. Ward is also the author of the individual, inexpensive, and beautifully illustrated booklets on Jade, Pearls, Emeralds, Diamonds, and Rubies and Sapphires. Like Gem Care, each provides the consumer with a comprehensive, entertaining, and easy-to-understand introduction to each of these gems. Buy Gem Care from Barnes & Noble. Gem Cutting, A Lapidary's Manual, Dr. John Sinkankas, 357 pages, Van Nostrand Reinhold, NY, $69.95. This has been the definitive work on the subject since the publication of the first edition in 1955. The current, much expanded edition is the third. The earlier editions are still very valuable and can often be found in used bookstores. The Gem Merchant: How to be One, How to Deal With One, by David Stanley Epstine, 149 pages, Epstine, Teofilo Otoni, Brazil, 1994, $19.95. This is a very practical book which can be read with profit by anybody wanting to get involved with the gemstone business. It would be particularly beneficial to the jewelry maker in order to better understand the realities of the world in which their gem suppliers function. It covers a broad range of information about dealing in gemstones and dealing with gemstone dealers. Gems by Gem Masters and Materials, by Carlo Cumo and Claude Mazloum, 288 pages, Gremese International s.r.l., P.O. Box 14335-00149, Rome, Italy, 1996. This gorgeously illustrated, large-format book was originally written in Italian but very competently translated into English, although some technical expressions come out a bit different from what we are used to, not that anyone would have any trouble quickly perceiving what is meant. The value to the American jeweler is that this book presents a view of gems and how they are used in jewelry from a uniquely European point of view. For the jeweler looking for ideas, this is of obvious value. The numerous large-format, full-color illustrations are a visual treat, and the gem descriptions, especially of diamond, ruby, sapphire, emerald, and pearl, provide interesting information not readily available elsewhere. Gems Made by Man, Dr. Kurt Nassau, 364 pages, Gemological Institute of America, Santa Monica, CA, 1980, $41.95. Although other books have been written on the subject, this is the standard reference. It is well-written, clear, accurate, informative, and well-referenced. It is suitable for the layperson and a must for the professional. Gemstone and Mineral Data Book; A Compilation of Data, Recipes, Formulas, and Instructions for the Mineralogist, Gemologist, Lapidary, Jeweler, Craftsman, and Collector, Dr. John Sinkankas, Geoscience Press, Tucson, AZ, 1988, $17.95 (temporarily out of print). The title tells it all! Buy the Gemstone and Mineral Data Book from Barnes & Noble. Gemstone Buying Guide, Renee Newman, 148 pages, International Jewelry Publications, Los Angeles, CA, $19.95 (paperback). This guide is a beautifully illustrated introduction to the basic principles of gemology, and is useful to those people in the market for a gemstone. Accurate information is written in a clear, straightforward style that requires no prior knowledge on the part of the reader. The excellent color illustrations are chosen and placed so that they are not only decorative, but instructive. Buy the Gemstone Buying Guide from Barnes & Noble. Gemstone Enhancement, Dr. Kurt Nassau, 221 pages, Gemological Institute of America, Santa Monica, CA, 1994, $56.95. The definitive work on the very important subject of how colors in gemstones can be manipulated. This book is a must for every professional's bookshelf, and the amateur with an interest in gemstones will also find it very rewarding. Buy Gemstone Enhancement from Barnes & Noble. Gemstones of the World, by Walter Schumann, 272 pages, Sterling Press, NY, 1997, $24.95. Possibly the most-used current gem reference book in English now has a brand new edition. Gemstones of the World covers rare as well as common stones. The information is accurate and illustrated throughout with full-color photography. If you can only afford one relatively inexpensive book on gems, this would probably be the best choice. Buy Gemstones of the World from Barnes & Noble. Guide to Affordable Gemology, William Hanneman, 172 pages, Hanneman Gemological Instruments, Poulsbo, Washington, 1998, $28 (paperback). This spiral-bound compendium of Hanneman's often iconoclastic but always insightful and frequently humorous approach to practical determinative gemology will be welcomed by all who use gemology and especially by those who teach it. Anyone who is interested in gems will profit from reading it, even if they already have an extensive formal education in gemology or mineralogy. Hanneman has long been appreciated by those who want to identify gems, but do not want the instruments and education to cost more than the gems. This book should be on the shelf not only of persons aspiring to rank and status of a gemologist but of any jeweler or craftsperson who want to protect themselves in the marketplace. Handbook of Gem Identification, Richard Liddicoat, 364 pages, Gemological Institute of America, Santa Monica, CA, 1993, $47.50. First written in 1947 by the longtime head of the Gemological Institute of America, this has been the standard reference book for American gemologists. The new edition is accurate, well-written, and up-to-date. Unlike earlier editions, it makes extensive use of color and is thus very desirable for the practicing gemologist. However, any of the older editions, which can often be found at low prices in second-hand book outlets, are very useful for anyone with an interest in gems. A Journey with Colour: A History of Queensland Opal 1869-1979, Len Cram, 368 pages, published and distributed by Len Cram, P.O. Box 2, Lightning Ridge, NSW 2834, Australia, 1998, $165. Len Cram is well known to opal fanciers worldwide as an opal authority, skilled photographer, and excellent writer who has written a number of beautifully illustrated booklets on opal. This is a major opal work, filled with beautiful pictures, packed with information and a pleasure to read. The National Gem Collection, Jeffery E. Post, 144 pages, National Museum of Natural History, Smithsonian Institution, in association with Harry N. Abrams, Inc., NY, $39.95. For the beginner, this beautifully illustrated book gives a delightful introduction to the world of gems by focusing on the splendid gem collection of the Smithsonian. It is richly illustrated with plenty of “eye candy.” The Smithsonian's more notable historic gems are described, as well as each major type of gem, in a readily understood manner. The seasoned gem connoisseur will want this book for the weight and country-of-origin listings for many rare, collectors' stones. Buy The National Gem Collection from Barnes & Noble. The Nature of Diamond, edited by Dr. George Harlow, 278 pages, Cambridge University Press, Cambridge, UK, $22.95 (paperback). This large formatted book is beautifully illustrated, and was issued to coincide with the acclaimed diamond exhibit created by the American Museum of Natural History in 1997. Its 13 chapters are written by 12 experts in their respective fields. Written in an authoritative, but highly readable manner for the non-specialist reader, every aspect of the diamond from its geological origins to its modern role in movies is covered. The jewelry maker will find much information to aid in "romancing the stone." Opal, by Fred Ward, 64 pages, Gem Book Publishers, Bethesda, MD, 1997, $15.95. This beautifully illustrated little book has a gold mine of accurate and authoritative information about opal, its history, lore, type localities, synthetics, simulents, and care. An amazing amount of accurate information packed into a small space, but still a visual treat as well with top-quality color photographs on every page. Buy Opal from Barnes & Noble. Opal Cutting Made Easy, Dr. Paul Downing, 97 pages, self-published, 1993, $10.95. Anybody who cuts opal can benefit from reading this very practical book. The author has also produced an instructional video by the same name. Buy Opal Cutting Made Easy from Barnes & Noble. Photoatlas of Inclusions in Gemstones, Eduard J. Gubelin and John I. Koivula, ABC Edition, Zurich, Switzerland, 1988, $234.95. A profusely illustrated work on inclusions characteristic of various gemstones by the two acknowledged leaders in the field. Contains more than 1,400 full-color photomicrographs to illustrate the subject. A very expensive book (because of the illustrations) but one of fundamental importance for the gemologist. Rock Crystal Teasures from Antiquity to Today, Sylvie Raulet, 240 pages, many large format color plates, Vendome Press, NY, 1999, $75. This beautiful, large-format book is a treat for the eyes, as well as a thorough discussion of the role rock crystals played as a medium for art objects throughout history. A chapter on “symbolic and medicinal properties” provides much historical information about mystic and medicinal attributions to quartz. Chapters on “curiosity cabinets” and “artistic use of rock crystals in various periods” are treasure troves of scholarly information not easliy found elsewhere. A few errors in mineralogical and crystallographic fact do not significantly detract from the overall value of this unique book. Ruby and Sapphire, Richard W. Hughes, 512 pages, RWH Publishing, Boulder, CO. This is a staggering work in its size and comprehensiveness. It is richly illustrated with ample high-quality color throughout. The amount of research that has gone into this authoritative work is amazing. Every aspect of the corundum gems is thoroughly treated including history, chemical and physical properties, inclusions, treatments, synthetics and assembled stones, geology, localities, judging quality, and lapidary. Every section is abundantly referenced. This work will remain the last word on ruby and sapphire for many years to come. Buy Ruby and Sapphire from Barnes & Noble. Standard Catalog of Gem Values, Anna M. Miller and John Sinkankas, 288 pages, Geoscience Press, Tucson, AZ, 1996, $24.95. This helpful guide not only gives price ranges of both cut and rough gems, but actually explains in a clear and informative fashion all the factors that affect the value of each type of gem. Although absolute market values will certainly change in the future, the explanations of what affects the value and desirability of individual gems including rare gems makes this an indispensable book for anyone working with or using gems. Buy the Standard Catalog of Gem Values from Barnes & Noble. Visual Optics: Diamond and Gem Identification Without Instruments: The Hodgekinson Method, Alan Hodgekinson, 50 pages, Gemworld International, Inc., Northbrook, IL. Would you like to be able to identify cut gems quickly and with confidence without having to spend a big bundle of money on instruments? This remarkable book actually shows you how to perform sophisticated gemological tests with no instruments whatsoever except your eyeball, a point source of light, and your gray matter. He clearly lays out the steps used by this method with clear text and color illustrations. Anyone intersted in gems can learn from this little book. Buy Visual Optics from Barnes & Noble. The World of Opal, Allan Eckert, 448 pages, John Wiley and Sons, New York, NY, 1997, $75 (hardcover). A book that all opal lovers have been waiting for, it offers a detailed and comprehensive treatment of the nature of opal, its geology, opal fossils, famous opals, and provides a precise description of the world's major opal fields. With the inclusion of 23 color plates, and an extensive glossary of terms and bibliography, this is one of the most complete books that has ever been published for any gemstone. Buy The World of Opal from Barnes & Noble.

INFORMATION FOR THE JEWELRY RETAILER

G.I.A. Jeweler's Manual, Gemological Institute of America, CA, 1989, $59.95. First published in 1964, the new and expanded third edition attempts to offer detailed information in a convenient format. The book covers most of the most important subjects a jeweler needs to have in order to professionally serve the public. Buy G.I.A. Jeweler's Manual from Barnes & Noble.

JEWELRY MAKING

The Complete Metalsmith: An Illustrated Handbook, Tim McCreight, 200 pages, Davis Publications, Worcester, MA, 1991, $14.95. A comprehensive instruction book, clearly written, and profusely illustrated with some 2,500 drawings. It is easy and convenient to use and the wire binding allows it to lie flat on the workbench for convenient consultation. The author has also produced a companion video with the same name. Buy The Complete Metalsmith from Barnes & Noble. Creative Casting, Sharr Choate, Crown Publishers, Inc., NY, 1986, $15. The standard textbook on the techniques of casting metals for jewelry by a pioneer of the development of lost-wax casting for jewelry makers. Jewelry Concepts and Technology, Oppi Untracht, Doubleday, NY, 1982, $105. A handbook for jewelry making at all levels and an introduction to the field for those not directly involved in it. Buy Jewelry Concepts and Technology from Barnes & Noble. Metal Techniques for Craftsmen, Oppi Untracht, Doubleday, NY, 1968, $75. A detailed guide to decorative metalworking techniques. Professional Goldsmithing: A Contemporary Guide to Traditional Jewelry Techniques, Alan Revere, 226 pages, Raja Press, San Francisco, CA, $72.95. This fully illustrated textbook teaches the classical techniques and procedures used by the goldsmith in a clear and precise manner. The student learns these techniques through a series of 30 projects, each of which have been chosen carefully to instruct in the acquisition of specific goldsmithing skills. This approach to goldsmithing instruction has been honored through generations of students attending the acclaimed Revere Academy of Jewelry Arts in San Francisco, one of the most respected jeweler training institutions in the world. Buy Professional Goldsmithing from Barnes & Noble.

KEYS TO THE LITERATURE

Gemology: An Annotated Bibliography, Dr. John Sinkankas, 2 vols., Scarecrow Press, Inc., 1179 pages, Metuchen, NJ, and London, England, 1992, $179.50. Many gem experts regard this enormous work as the most important gem publication of the 20th century. In it, the author systematically reviews gem publications written not only in English but in nearly all European languages including Russian, Greek, and Latin. He includes all substantial works (15 pages or more), describes the bibliographic parameters of each work, and gives a critical review of the book's historical context. The author also provides a critical judgment of the contents of the book, including candid remarks as to the book's accuracy, importance, and cogency. There are 7,458 entries in 1,179 fact-packed pages. This towering work of scholarship was 40 years in the making and is destined to be the definitive work in its field for the foreseeable future. It is of fundamental importance to students of gemology, mineralogy, geology, jewelry, and the history of science. Buy Gemology: An Annotated Bibliography from Barnes & Noble. The Lapidary Journal Index 1947-1991, 448 pages, Lapidary Journal Press, San Diego, CA, 1992, $24.95. Obviously the Index is invaluable to the reader who has access to a library of back issues of Lapidary Journal. What many people might not realize, however, is that it is invaluable even to someone who is not so fortunate. A copy of any article can be obtained from Lapidary Journal for only $2! No other magazine has published such a huge mass of information concerning gems, minerals, lapidary, jewelry making, fossils, and field trips. We find that for nearly any subject in our field that we wish to research, this is usually the first book we pull off the shelf.

METEORITES

Field Guide of Meteorites: The Robert A. Haag Collection, by Robert A. Haag, 61 pages, Self-published, Tucson, AZ, 1997, $5.00 + S&H. This large-format, paper-cover book is beautifully illustrated in color with pictures and descriptions of meteorites from the author's own collection. He is a colorful pursuer of meteorites who has searched for them in every corner of the globe. Each type is clearly illustrated and briefly, clearly, and entertainingly described. This is a very pleasant and authoritative introduction to the whole subject of meteorites. It deserves a place in every school library as well as on the rockhound's bookshelf. Rocks from Space: Meteorites and Meteorite Hunters, Second Edition, O. Richard Norton, 449 pages, Mountain Press, Missoula, MT, 1998, $30. The new second edition is a complete introduction to the fascinating world of meteorites, asteroids, comets, and impact craters in non-technical language. It includes interesting stories and details about human fascination with these mysterious and sometimes frightening visitors from outer space and brings us up to date with the latest finding of the space program and modern science.

MINERALS

Dana's New Mineralogy, James D. Dana and Edward S. Dana, rewritten and enlarged by Dr. Richard Gaines, Dr. Catherine Skinner, Dr. Eugene Foord, Dr. Brian Mason, Dr. Abraham Rosensweig, and Vandall King, 1819 pages, John Wiley and Sons, New York, NY, $295. Dana's A System of Mineralogy was the first scientific book written in 1837 by a native born American to gain scientific prominence and respect world-wide. It went through 6 editions during the 19th century, and 3 editions in the 20th century. Now after 20 years of intensive labor by several of America's finest mineralogists, what is really the eighth edition of this venerable reference work has appeared. Like its predecessors, it is detailed and comprehensive. Buy Dana's New Mineralogy from Barnes & Noble. Encyclopedia of Mineral Names, William Blackburn and William Dennen, 360 pages, Mineralogical Association of Canada, Ottawa, 1997, $53. This encyclopedia offers an authoritative listing of all accepted mineral species along with a few well-known varieties, commonly used group names, and series names. For each mineral, the chemical formula, crystal system, and space group, as well as a brief but thorough bibliography are given. As the most up-to-date listing of mineral species available, this book is of importance to all mineral collectors, especially those who exhibit or compete. Fluorescence: Gems and Minerals Under Ultraviolet Light, Manuel Robbins, 400 pages, Geoscience Press, Tucson, AZ, 1994, $40. The complete guide to fluorescence and a must for the libraries of serious collectors of Fluorescent minerals. Buy Fluorescence: Gems and Minerals Under Ultraviolet Light from Barnes & Noble. Handbook of Mineralogy, Vol. 3, John W. Anthony, Richard Bideaux, Kenneth W. Bladh, and Monty C. Nichols, Mineral Data Publishing, Tucson, AZ. Vol. I, Elements, Sulfides, Sulfosalts, 588 pages, 1990, $94. Buy Handbook of Mineralogy, Vol. I, Elements, Sulfides, Sulfosalts from Barnes & Noble. Vol. II, Silica, Silicates, 446 pages (Part I) and 904 pages (Part II), 1995, $144. Buy Handbook of Mineralogy, Vol. II, Silica, Silicates from Barnes & Noble. Vol. III, Halides, Hydroxides, Oxides, 628 pages, 1997, $94. Buy Handbook of Mineralogy, Vol. III, Halides, Hydroxides, Oxides from Barnes & Noble. This is a monumental reference work that is scheduled to be completed in 5 volumes. The volumes that have previously appeared have met with universal acclaim by reviewers for their high standards of accuracy. Each mineral that is recognized as a species is given its own page whereon all of its important characteristics are presented clearly and conveniently. The volumes are arranged alphabetically for easier use, and are an indispensable reference work. Hey's Mineral Index: Mineral Species, Varieties and Synonyms, 3rd Edition, A.M. Clark, 852 pages, Chapman and Hall, London, 1993, $88.95. This edition bears little resemblance to its predecessors. It is a huge (8 x 12 inches; 852 pages) compendium of all minerals, not just the species whose names meet the approval of the International Mineralogical Association. In the opinion of many mineralogists, it is the most generally useful mineral reference book in print. Mineralogy (previously published as Mineralogy for Amateurs and Mineralogy: A First Course), Dr. John Sinkankas, 585 pages, Van Nostrand Reinhold, NY, 1975, $59.95. The most readable explanation of the general principals of mineralogy, including what is possibly the only discussion of crystallography that can be easily understood by the layperson. The accuracy and clarity of the descriptions of mineral species are superb as is the concentration on specimens and characteristics that are of most interest to collectors. Buy Hey's Mineral Index from Barnes & Noble. Peterson Field Guide to Rocks and Minerals, Dr. Frederick H. Pough, 396 pages, Houghton Mifflin Co., Boston, MA, 1996, $17.95. The expanded and updated 5th edition of the most popular book on minerals and rocks has improved and expanded color, but retains the same high standards of clarity and accuracy of description that has endeared this book to generations of collectors. Reminiscences of a Mineralogist: Minerals, Localities, and Mineralogy, Arthur Montgomery, edited by Julia C. Reed, 82 pages, Matrix Publishing Company, Dillsburg, PA, $20. This is a very unique book. The author, professor of geology emeritus, is well known among collectors as a benefactor and leader in organizing both Friends of Mineralogy and the Mineralogical Record, but especially for his long list of spectacular mineral discoveries. Anybody who likes minerals and gems will enjoy reliving the true stories of some of the most amazing mineral and gem discoveries ever made in North America. Amusing as well as instructional, in each of the 15 chapters, Montgomery first tells a fascinating collecting story, and then subtly enlightens the reader about some aspect of mineralogy and crystallography.

PETRIFIED WOOD

Petrified Forests: The World's 31 Most Beautiful Petrified Forests, Ulrich Dernbach and 6 other skilled paleobotanists, 188 pages, 1996, $79.95. This is a splendid, large-format, profusely color-illustrated book describing and picturing 31 of the world's most important petrified forests. Each forest and polished pieces of the wood from each forest are beautifully illustrated in full-color photographs. There are also illustrated chapters on petrified wood identification and on the principle types of trees that have ended up as petrified wood. This is the best extant book available on the subject. Buy Petrified Forests from Barnes & Noble. Petrified Wood: The World of Fossilized Wood, Cones, Ferns, and Cycades, by Frank J. Daniels, 170 pages, Western Colorado Publishing Company, Grand Junction, CO, 1998, $75. This large format, beautifully printed and produced hardcover book is a visual feast. The 420 full-color photographs showing the colors and patterns of the fossils are stunning. The localities are predominantly Western American, but foreign localities such as Australia, Argentina, Turkey, and Madagascar are covered. This is not a scientific paleobotany book but it is certainly the handsomest introduction to petrified wood available. Buy Petrified Wood from Barnes & Noble.

PHOTOGRAPHY

Photographing Minerals, Fossils, and Lapidary Materials, by Jeffrey A. Scovil, 224 pages, Geoscience Press, Tucson AZ, 1996, $40. Finally there is a book covering all of the special problems and techniques involved in effectively photographing the objects that interest the readers of this magazine, including jewelers. The equipment and techniques are explained clearly, and the special photographic problems presented by objects in our field are clearly discussed. There are lots of books on photography, but there has never been one so specific to our field. Scovil is not only an accomplished professional photographer and writer but he is also a long-time, ardent student of gems, minerals, fossils, and jewelry. The book is well indexed, allowing readers to easily locate discussions on specific problems. Buy Photographing Minerals, Fossils, and Lapidary Materials from Barnes & Noble.

TRAVEL

Roadside Geology Series, published by Mountain Press Publishing Company, Missoula, MT. $12-$20. These marvelous guidebooks to the geology seen from your car window cannot be praised enough. They are inexpensive, very readable for the layperson, but technically accurate and very informative. The books in the Roadside series can vastly increase the pleasure of traveling by car. There currently are guides available for Alaska, Arizona, Colorado, Hawaii, Idaho, Louisiana, Maine, Montana, New Mexico, New York, Northern California, Oregon, South Dakota, Texas, Utah, Vermont/New Hampshire, Virginia, Washington, and Wyoming. There is also a separate one on Yellowstone Park. Search barnesandnoble.com for Roadside Geology Books

ZEOLITES

Zeolites of the World, R. Tschernic, Geoscience Press, Tucson, AZ, $84.94 (Out of print). This authoritative work is the only modern work on zeolites that presents information that is useful and interesting to the collector. It is also an essential reference work for the professional.

Resource Guide:
Clubs (Gem & Mineral) | Museums | Professional Associations | Schools | Book Reviews

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