Page
Introduction 5
Properties of gemstones 5
Crystals 7
Cutting and polishing of gemstones 10
Cabochon gems 10
Faceted gems 13
Tumbled gems 17
Texas gemstones 18
Amber 18
Augite 18
Beryl 18
Celestite 19
Diamond 19
Epidote 19
Fluorite 20
Fossil wood 20
Gadolinite 21
Garnet 22
Jet 22
Labradorite 23
Microcline 23
Obsidian 24
Opal 24
Pearl 24
Quartz 25
Crystalline varieties 25
Amethyst 25
Citrine 25
Rock crystal 26
Rose quartz 26
Smoky quartz 26
Cryptocrystalline varieties 27
Chalcedony 27
Agate 27
Agatized wood 27
Carnelian 27
Jasper 27
Sanidine 28
Spinel 28
Tektite (bediasite) 28
Topaz 29
Tourmaline 30
Turquoise 31
Glossary 32
Selected references 34
Index 41