Most students of gems will need to refer frequently to some good text-book of mineralogy. Although old, Dana's Mineralogy is still a standard work. A newer book and one of a more popular nature is L. P. Gratacap's The Popular Guide to Minerals, D. Van Nostrand & Co., N. Y.
Among larger and more expensive books on gems may be mentioned Precious Stones, by Dr. Max Bauer. This is an English translation of a German work which is a classic in its field. As it is now out of print in its English edition, a somewhat detailed account of its character may be of value to those who may be inclined to go to the effort to seek a copy at a public library or perhaps to purchase one through second-hand book stores.
A popular account of their characters, occurrence and applications, with an introduction to their determination, for mineralogists, lapidaries, jewelers, etc., with an appendix on pearls and coral, by Dr. Max Bauer, Privy Councillor, professor in the Union of Marburg. Translated from the German by L. J. Spencer, M.A. (Cantab.), F.G.S., assistant in the mineral department of the British Museum. With twenty plates and ninety-four figures in the text. London, Chas. Griffin & Co., Ltd.: Phila., J. B. Lippincott Co., 1904.
The book is a large one, xv + 627 pages, and is divided into three parts with an appendix on pearls and coral.
Part I. deals with the general characters of precious stones.
- 1. Natural characters and occurrence.
- 2. Applications of Precious Stones.
- 3. Classification of Precious Stones. 106 pages.
Part II. Systematic Description of Precious Stones, Diamond, Corundum Gems, Spinel, etc. 450 pages.
Part III. Determination and Distinguishing of Precious Stones. 20 pages.
Appendix, 26 pages. Pearls and Coral.
Bauer is exhaustive in his descriptions of the more important precious stones and he also describes briefly very many little known and little used gem minerals.