Gemstones: Beauty, Lore and Fascination

A concise, intriguing compilation describing both the physical & mythical properties of gemstones. Notes, among other things, that rubies & sapphires are different colors of the mineral corundum... Viking mariners used thin slices of the gem iolite to help determine the true position of the sun on cloudy days... The Chinese have a legend that pearls fall to the earth as rain when dragons fight in the sky... Scandinavian women wore opals in their hair to prevent the blond locks from turning gray. Organized alphabetically, covering most precious stones from agate to zircon. Sections devoted to each stone's history, legends from different parts of the world & its color varieties. Gems are rated for hardness & durability. Birthstones & anniversary gemstones are listed. Describes the process by which gems are excavated, graded & turned into jewelry; explains the technical descriptions of a stone's physical characteristics; & discusses the magical connotations applied to many gems. GEMSTONES: BEAUTY, LORE & FASCINATION is available through Intarsia Press, 14176 NE Woodinville-Duvall Rd., Woodinville, WA 98072. (206) 485-0625.Babinski, Michael is the author of 'Gemstones: Beauty, Lore and Fascination' with ISBN 9780964407909 and ISBN 0964407906.