Gemstones : Enchanting Gifts of Nature

Contents: Foreword. 1. What are gemstones. 2. Qualities of gemstones. 3. Colour of gemstones. 4. Chatoyancy, asterism, durability and hardness. 5. Refractive index, lustre and specific gravity. 6. Flaws in gemstones and gem testing. 7. Rarity of gemstones. 8. Man-made stones. 9. Diamond. 10. Corundum: Ruby and Sapphire. 11. Beryl: Emerald and aquamarine. 12. Other important stones: i. Quartz and feldspars. ii. Non-transparent and unusual gems. 13. Gems for carving. 14. Organic stones. 15. Gem cutting. 16. Jewellery.