18 Best Books on Gemology

We have compiled a list of the Best Reference Books on Gemology, which are used by students of top universities, and colleges. This will help you choose the right book depending on if you are a beginner or an expert. Here is the complete list of Gemology Books with their authors, publishers, and an unbiased review of them as well as links to the Amazon website to directly purchase them. If permissible, you can also download the free PDF books on Gemology below.

 
1."Minerals and Gemstone- An Identification Guide" by Brocardo G
“Minerals and Gemstone- An Identification Guide” Book Review: The book provides clear and detailed information on identifying minerals and gemstones, with over 2000 high-quality photographs and illustrations. The guide includes comprehensive information on the physical and chemical properties of minerals and gemstones, as well as their uses, origins, and popular varieties. The book is easy to read and well-organized, making it an excellent resource for students, collectors, and hobbyists.

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2."Diamonds" by Bruton Eric F G A
“Diamonds” Book Review: The book provides detailed information on the physical and chemical properties of diamonds, as well as the different types of diamond cuts and how they affect a diamond’s brilliance. The author also covers the social, cultural, and economic significance of diamonds. The book is well-written and easy to understand, making it a great resource for anyone interested in diamonds, whether it’s for educational or personal reasons.

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3."Precious Stones Vol. I" by Max Bauer
“Precious Stones Vol. I” Book Review: The book provides a comprehensive overview of precious stones, including detailed descriptions of gemstones, methods for cutting and mounting, and ways to measure their value and authenticity. It primarily focuses on diamonds, covering their characteristics, natural occurrences, and artificial production. With 52 figures, the book also offers a visual experience for the reader.

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4."Precious Stones Vol. II" by Max Bauer
“Precious Stones Vol. II” Book Review: The book is a comprehensive guide to the study of both precious and semi-precious stones, providing information about various types of stones, including diamond, topaz, opal, turquoise, ruby, emerald, and garnet. With a detailed description and 94 figures, it is one of the most comprehensive books available on the subject of gems.

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5."The Mineralogy of the Diamond" by Y L Orlov
“The Mineralogy of the Diamond” Book Review: The book provides a detailed analysis of the mineralogy, crystallography, and physical properties of diamonds. The author explores the various types of diamond deposits and their geological settings, as well as the methods used to mine and process diamonds. The book is well-organized and well-researched, with a wealth of diagrams and photographs to aid understanding. This book is a valuable resource for anyone with an interest in geology, mineralogy, or gemology, and is an essential addition to any gemology library.

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6."Gemstones of the World" by Walter Schumann
“Gemstones of the World” Book Review: This book serves as a comprehensive guide for buying and selling gemstones, providing a detailed description of over 1,800 gemstones. It covers their geographic locations, scientific, physical, and color properties, as well as the processes of their formation, structure, and mining. Additionally, the book delves into the optical features of gems, including light and color, as well as other properties such as luminescence, refraction, and inclusions. Numerous charts and diagrams are included to aid in understanding.

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7."Gemology" by Cornelius S. Hurlbut and Robert C Kammerling
“Gemology” Book Review: This book is an updated guide to the latest developments in gemmology, including recent advancements in instrumentation. It covers the chemical, crystallographic, and physical properties of gems, as well as their optical properties, which are essential in identifying them. The book primarily focuses on the methods and instruments used in the determination of gems.

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8."Popular Gemology" by Richard M Pearl
“Popular Gemology” Book Review: This comprehensive book on gemmology covers all aspects of the subject, including natural and manufactured gems, taxonomy, and methods of manufacturing. It is suitable for anyone seeking knowledge about gems. The book covers topics such as the Lure of Gems, Recognition of Gems, Faceted Gems, Cabochon and Carved Gems, Man-made gems, and Luminescent Gems.

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9."Dictionary of Gems and Gemology" by Robert M Shipley
“Dictionary of Gems and Gemology” Book Review: The book provides detailed information on the physical, chemical, and optical properties of over 3,000 gemstones, including their history, sources, and current market value. The author’s expertise and passion for gems are evident in the comprehensive coverage of the subject matter, which includes everything from the rarest and most valuable gems to more common ones. The book is well-organized and easy to use, making it an essential tool for gemologists, jewelers, and collectors.

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10."Gemmology" by Peter G Read
“Gemmology” Book Review: This beginner’s guide to gemmology can also serve as a textbook for diploma courses in the subject and as a reference guide for gemmologists. The book explains all concepts in detail and includes illustrations of examination procedures, as well as sample questions.

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11."Practical Gemmology - A Study of the Identification of Gem-Stones, Pearls, And Ornamental Minerals" by Robert Webster
“Practical Gemmology – A Study of the Identification of Gem-Stones, Pearls, And Ornamental Minerals” Book Review: This vintage book provides a noteworthy and intelligent study of the identification of gemstones, pearls, and ornamental minerals. It is recognized as a traditional resource for those learning how to identify gems and decorative minerals and is commonly used as a course textbook. It is also particularly suitable as a self-instructor for those looking to advance in the jewellery and gem trades. The book comprises 21 chapters covering a range of topics such as natural philosophy, physical properties, relative density, light, the refractive index, colour in gem distinction, magnification, the gem species, artificial and imitation gems, composite stones, and artificially induced colour.

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12."The Spectroscope and Gemmology" by R Keith Mitchell
“The Spectroscope and Gemmology” Book Review: This book incorporates the latest developments and can prove indispensable for anyone involved in stone identification. Anderson and his lifelong colleague Payne were pioneers in recognizing the potential of the microscope for this purpose, and The Microscope and Gemmology, which is an extensively revised, updated, and enlarged version of Anderson’s original papers, provides an important textbook for those working in or studying gemmology. Distinguished gemmologist R. Keith Mitchell has edited the book and added a chapter on the Pye photometer and on lasers. He has also included printing drawings of spectra in three aspects to accommodate the prism instrument in both the British and American versions, as well as through the microscope instrument.

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13."Practical Gemmology" by DeeDee Cunningham
“Practical Gemmology” Book Review: This book has been revised by DeeDee choreographer to make it a great resource for people learning about gemstones. It includes new information on advanced treatments and artificial diamonds and covers topics such as tools, theories, testing, and properties of gems. There are nineteen lessons in the book, each covering important information needed to understand gemstones. It’s useful for people of all levels of knowledge, especially for those preparing for certification exams. The book includes diagrams and data to help students learn.

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14."Collins Gem - Gemstones" by Cally Oldershaw
“Collins Gem – Gemstones” Book Review: The book presents detailed information on the crystal system, hardness, composition, lustre, and gem ‘family’ for each gem, with each page featuring full-color photographs of the specimens, including cut and uncut examples from the archives of the Smithsonian Institution. Furthermore, it provides current information on locations where these gems can be viewed. Clear illustrations are included to aid in identifying the crystal structure of each stone. Finally, a comprehensive glossary and directory are provided for further reference.

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15."Gemmology Notebook" by Wild Pages Press
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16."Practical Gemmology" by Robert Webster
“Practical Gemmology” Book Review: The book covers a wide range of topics, including gem identification, grading, and appraisal, as well as the history and folklore associated with various gemstones. The author’s writing style is engaging and easy to follow, with clear explanations and helpful illustrations throughout. The book is designed to be a hands-on resource, with practical exercises and case studies to help readers develop their gem identification skills. This book is a valuable resource for anyone looking to expand their knowledge and expertise in the field of geology.

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17."Beginner's Guide to Gemmology" by Peter G Read
“Beginner’s Guide to Gemmology” Book Review: This book provides in-depth profiles of the principal gem materials, exploring their fascinating characteristics and the growing market for gem testing instruments driven by the increasing demand for jewelry. Divided into twelve chapters, it begins with an overview of the development of gemmology as a science. The book then delves into the essential qualities that make a gemstone, such as color, hardness, relative density, optics, refractive index, optical phenomena, incidence angle, luminescence, and absorption spectra. Subsequent chapters focus on organic gem materials, including amber, ivory, coral, tortoiseshell, jet, ebony, and pearl. The book also covers the various methods used in the production of synthetic gemstones and their commercial use in gem testing. The final chapter explores the composition of artificial gemstones. This book is an invaluable resource for gemologists, jewelers, and students aspiring to become certified gemologists.

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18."Gemmology: A Practical Approach" by R N P de Silva
“Gemmology: A Practical Approach” Book Review: The book is meant for those who love gems, be it collectors, traders, or students. Some individuals incorrectly identify crystals by their color, leading to costly mistakes. Gems are produced by inorganic processes and possess unique chemical and physical characteristics that are relatively stable. They typically have an organized crystalline structure, a specific chemical composition, and consistent physical properties. This book is a scientific guide to identifying gems and a brief introduction to the field of gemmology.

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We have put a lot of effort into researching the best books on Gemology and came out with a recommended list and their reviews. If any more book needs to be added to this list, please email us. We are working on free pdf downloads for books on Gemology and will publish the download link here. Fill out this Gemology books pdf download" request form for download notification.

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