{"product_id":"9781552978146","title":"Guide to Gems: Illustrated Guide to the Identification, Properties and Use of Gemstones","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003ci\u003eA reference guide to gems, semi-precious stones and crystals.\u003c\/i\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eGemstones and crystals are used for jewelry, industry, lasers and precision technology. \u003cb\u003eFirefly Guide to Gems\u003c\/b\u003e is a practical, compact guide to the identification and use of precious and semi-precious stones, novelty stones, agates and crystals. \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eAn introduction explains geology, chemistry and gemstone properties in clear and accessible terms. Key aspects of gemstones are explained such as crystal structures and optical and physical properties. \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe first section of the book focuses on precious gems in their many forms, with illustrations of priceless jewelry. Practical information includes:\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cul\u003e \u003cli\u003eFashioning and cutting\u003c\/li\u003e \u003cli\u003eTypes and shapes of cut\u003c\/li\u003e \u003cli\u003eCollecting\u003c\/li\u003e \u003cli\u003eHandling and storing gemstones\u003c\/li\u003e \u003cli\u003eWeighing and measuring stones\u003c\/li\u003e \u003c\/ul\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe second and main section supplies complete descriptions of a wide range of gems, organized by chemical composition, for instance:\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cul\u003e \u003cli\u003eCarbon (diamond)\u003c\/li\u003e \u003cli\u003eAluminum oxide (saphire and ruby)\u003c\/li\u003e \u003cli\u003ePhosphate (turquoise)\u003c\/li\u003e \u003cli\u003eSilica (opal)\u003c\/li\u003e \u003c\/ul\u003e\u003cp\u003eA fascinating profile of each gem is accompanied with color photographs of the raw crystal, common cuts, and finally polished for use in jewelry. At-a-glance charts provide technical details such as refractive index, crystal group, luster, hardness and cleavage for each gem. \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eEasy-to-read and abundantly illustrated, \u003cb\u003eFirefly Guide to Gems\u003c\/b\u003e is ideal for collectors and rockhounds. \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Firefly Books, Limited","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":47050295967984,"sku":"9781552978146","price":19.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0737\/7593\/9824\/files\/9781552978146_p0.jpg?v=1763784933","url":"https:\/\/shop-qa.barnesandnoble.com\/products\/9781552978146","provider":"Barnes \u0026 Noble (DEV)","version":"1.0","type":"link"}