Handbook of Rocks, Minerals, and Gemstones

I have used my copy for years. I keep it close to my book reading area and reference it all the time. Definitely a top bookshelf find!

This book was so good as a resource that our daughter wanted a second one...she is in the jewelry business and uses it as a great reference book. It contains great detailed photos of the gem stones, natural and cut, where they are mined and a bit of history with each, also.

After reading a negative review on these pages at the advice of the reviewer I bought the Cambridge book he recommended. That was a mistake. Whereas the Cambridge book is a good reference book with lots of technical info and good photographs, it has not one photograph of rock in the field - precisely what I need. I've since purchased Schumann's Hand Book and I like it considerably more. The Cambridge book will sit on my shelf, Schuman's will get out in the field and serve me well.