The object of this little book is to convey to the merchant, the
workman, and the amateur, in a condensed and accurate form, information
concerning the various properties of precious stones. Besides drawing
freely on a number of authorities, the author has used his practical
experience to indicate such tests as an amateur can readily make.
Specific gravity, hardness, and dichroism are tests which are easily
mastered, and a thorough understanding of these three properties will
assist in classifying doubtful gems.
Such stones have been dealt with principally as are used in commerce
for jewelry and ornamental purposes.
The attention of the writer has often been called to the general lack
of knowledge among the jewelers regarding precious stones other than
diamonds, rubies, sapphires, and emeralds.
As there are so many other beautiful and rare gems which nature yields
to man, and which are worthy of the jewelers’ art, the author trusts
that his book will awaken a new interest in the fascinating study of
mineralogy as applied to precious stones, and that at some future day
he may feel encouraged to enlarge upon this treatise.
M. D. ROTHSCHILD.
41 and 43 MAIDEN LANE,
NEW YORK.