Minerals and Gems (The Smithsonian Treasury)

In this book, John Sampson White, curator-in-charge of the Smithsonian's gem and mineral collection, explores the mineral kingdom, describes how minerals are formed, discusses their physical properties, tells of the oddities of crystallization, and explains how minerals are classified and collected. The often confusing nomenclature of gemstones is clarified and there is a description of the way artificial and synthetic gems are made.