Encyclopedia of Precious Stones: Why Precious Stones Are So Expensive

The encyclopedia of precious stones from the pen of the prominent Czech gemologist Karel Mařík brings expert and lay readers an overview of 189 types of precious stones, divided into 5 categories according to frequency of use and rarity. Hardness, chemical composition, refractive index, specific gravity, birefringence, dispersion, pleochroism and magnetic susceptibility are given for each, with all figures thoroughly revised for this publication. Apart from that, the author mentions the locality of occurrence, trade names, varieties, special features, size, unique, similar or imitation stones, their use, treatment and care for each stone.

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