Gemstone Identification Handbook Encyclopedia 800 Color Pix 130 Species History
Specifications
| Return Shipping Will Be Paid By | Buyer |
| All Returns Accepted | Returns Accepted |
| Item Must Be Returned Within | 30 Days |
| Book Series | Smithsonian Eyewitness |
| Narrative Type | Nonfiction |
| Dimensions | 8½ x 5¾ inches, 1 pound |
| Original Language | English |
| Intended Audience | Young Adults |
| Publication Year | 2002 |
| Type | Illustrated Book |
| Format | Trade Paperback |
| Language | English |
| Length | 160 pages |
| Author | Cally Hall |
| Features | Illustrated |
| Genre | Art & Culture |
| Topic | Gemstones |
Smithsonian Handbook of Gemstones by Cally Hall. NOTE: We have 75,000 books in our library, almost 10,000 different titles. Odds are we have other copies of this same title in varying conditions, some less expensive, some better condition. We might also have different editions as well (some paperback, some hardcover, oftentimes international editions). If you don’t see what you want, please contact us and ask. We’re happy to send you a summary of the differing conditions and prices we may have for the same title. DESCRIPTION: Softcover. Publisher: DK Smithsonian Handbooks (2002). Pages: 160. Size: 8¼ x 5¾ inches, 1 pound. CONDITION: NEW. New oversized softcover. DK Smithsonian Handbooks (2002) 160 pages. Unblemished, unmarked, pristine in every respect. Pages are pristine; clean, crisp, unmarked, unmutilated, tightly bound, unambiguously unread. Satisfaction unconditionally guaranteed. In stock, ready to ship. No disappointments, no excuses. PROMPT SHIPPING! HEAVILY PADDED, DAMAGE-FREE PACKAGING! Meticulous and accurate descriptions! Selling rare and out-of-print ancient history books on-line since 1997. We accept returns for any reason within 30 days! #7570a. PLEASE SEE DESCRIPTIONS AND IMAGES BELOW FOR DETAILED REVIEWS AND FOR PAGES OF PICTURES FROM INSIDE OF BOOK. PLEASE SEE PUBLISHER, PROFESSIONAL, AND READER REVIEWS BELOW. PUBLISHER REVIEWS: REVIEW: The Dorling Kindersley Handbook of Gemstones is packed with more than 800 vivid full-color photographs of more than 130 varieties of cut and uncut stones, organic gemstones, and precious metals. With authoritative text, clear photography, and a systematic approach, this concise guide to identification enables you to recognize each gemstone instantly. Photo-Encyclopedic Approach: Each expertly written entry combines a precise description with annotated photographs to highlight the gemstone's chief characteristics and distinguishing features. Additional color illustrations and photographs show uncut stones, color variations, and a wide range of popular cuts. Easy-to-use, color-coded bands provide at-a-glance facts for quick reference. Also included is a concise glossary. Identification Made Easy: For beginners and established enthusiasts alike, the Dorling Kindersley Handbook of Gemstones explains what a gemstone is, how and where gemstones occur, what natural properties they possess, and how they have been fashioned and imitated through the ages. to help you in the initial stages of identification, a color key illustrates the variety of colors found within natural and synthetic gemstones. A concise glossary explains relevant scientific and technical terms. REVIEW: Designed for beginners and experienced collectors alike, this field guide makes identification of individual specimens sure, simple and straightforward. Each entry has a full color illustration as well as color-coded bands that provide at-a-glance facts for quick reference. Easy to use and beautiful to look at, this series is an invaluable resource for every collector. REVIEW: Cally Hall is a fellow of the Gemological Association and Gem Testing Laboratory of Great Britain. She has contributed to several books on gemology, mineralogy, geology, and earth science and is the author of “Identifying Gems & Precious Stones” A member of the curatorial team at London’s Natural History Museum, she spends her days identifying minerals and gemstones and lecturing. She specializes in the study of colored gemstones. PROFESSIONAL REVIEWS: REVIEW: Packed with detailed information on gemstone properties, varieties, and more, DK’s “Smithsonian Handbook of Gemstones” is the clearest identification guide to natural and synthetic gemstones for beginners and established enthusiasts alike. READER REVIEWS: REVIEW: I fear that I am a bit of a magpie. I like shiny sparkly things, and the usual response is Ooooh! Shiny! And as a young one, when taken on various trips, I started to take an interest in rockhounding and geology. It was finding gemstones that were the real fun, seeing these little bits of glittery rock that turned out to be sapphires or amethysts or garnets. Life would take me in different directions, but the interest in pretty, glittery rocks has remained. Smithsonian Handbooks: Gemstones is one of those lovely little books that is crammed full of information and pictures, along some folklore and bits of trivia that add to the mystique of gemstones. Compiled by Cally Hall, it's a very readable book, filled with more than 800 photographs, with a text that while it is slanted towards scientific terms, is very readable and accessible. The first section of the book is an extended introduction to what makes a gemstone different than say, a mineral, although they might be composed of the same chemicals. A brief history of how gemstones and precious metals (silver, gold and platinum) have been shaped, worn and coveted. One section that I found very interesting was the explanation of the Mohs scale used to determined hardness -- it ranges from 1 to 10, with talc at the bottom, and diamond at the top, and how a stone is determined to fit in along the scale. Another fascinating section is how light and crystallization help to determine gemstones, and what part they play in how a stone is shaped and graded. There is also a section on synthetic gemstones and how they have been created over the centuries, and how the color of stones can be changed by irradiation, heating and staining the stones. Finally, the section closes with a color key, ranging various stones by their hues, with plenty of vivid pictures and the name of each stone underneath along with the page that goes into more detail about it. The next section deals with the gemstones and precious metals in particular. Each item is classified into Precious Metals, Cut Stones, and Organics -- and each item is given a page or two that goes into further detail. Stones are given their chemical composition, rating on the Mohs scale, crystal structure, some folklore and history, what sort of cuts that the stones are usually shaped into, and lots of photographs. It here in the photographs that the book sells itself. They are unusually clear, and crisply printed, with each gemstone being shown in a variety of ways. There is jewelry, different colors that the stone can occur in, and a few shown in their 'matrix' or the surrounding stone and minerals that the gemstones are usually found in their natural state. One of the more intriguing sections is on what are known as Organic Gemstones -- stones that are created by natural, not chemical, occurrences, such as pearls, jet, coral, ivory, shell and amber. The final sections include a table of properties, glossary, index, and some useful addresses to contact if you find that you want to find out more. The binding is very sturdy, the printing very clean and crisp with the design well-thought out that flows easily from page to page. It is designed to stand up to quite a bit of use, with a spine that will not crack, and heavier than usual paper stock, and the quality is top notch. Packed into less than a 160 pages, this is a wonderfully priced little book that gives a quick, informative and lively look at gemstones. While it's certainly not a perfect book, and is mostly designed to help the reader figure out what a stone may or may not be -- only a trained gemologist can tell you what it really is -- it's a fun way to start learning. The price was extremely reasonable, less than 10$US, although the cover price is listed as 20$US. It would make a perfect book for adding to a home library, or as a gift to the budding REVIEW: The Smithsonian Handbook on Gemstones is a great little reference book. It is in depth but also a compact sturdy semi-hardback that is easy to take anywhere. I like the fact that I can easily refer to it when my customers ask me questions about the jewelry I sell. Now I can find the answers to almost any question regarding gemstones. The many colorful pictures are beautiful and the interesting descriptions are easy to read and understand. I would recommend this handbook to anyone wanting to broaden their knowledge of gemstones as I am. I am buying a lot of gemstone jewelry on eBay and this book really helps me to identify and know the value of a lot of gemstones I previously did not know about. It is really helping to simplify and make the most of my eBay bids. I can now make more educated decisions and have more insight into the information jewelers and gemologists know. I know I will be using this book a lot so it was a great purchase. I highly recommend this book, because it is what you would expect from the Smithsonian; like an enjoyable walk through the museum. As a matter of fact, when I recently visited the Museum of Natural Science in Houston and the natural gemstones exhibit (which in the past I might not have had much interest in) I was very pleased at my ability to recognize, know something about, and appreciate the vast array of incredible gemstones, because of how it raised my interest in the subject to a new level, with the information and knowledge I gained from reading the Smithsonian Gemstone Handbook. REVIEW: While written with a simplicity suitable for a novice gem-lover or enthusiastic youngster, the information assembled in this unassuming little paperback is incredibly detailed, cross-referenced and beautifully organized enough to please a seasoned professional. The photographs of materials described are excellent. I bought this book as it was recommended as a text for a gemology course, and am now motivated to give close scrutiny to anything published by Dorling Kindersley. Thanks for the opportunity to say something nice about this wonderful book.........and although you didn't ask, the book which was described as "used" arrived in almost 'new' condition....and at a price well appreciated! REVIEW: This is basically the best gem handbook that I've found for anyone who doesn't have a professional certification. It gives all of the necessary information on a variety of stones, and some very interesting and useful history and information about other aspects of gemology. REVIEW: I bought this book to learn more about all the different gems. I am just starting to make jewelry and thought this would be good for me. This book is an excellent book. It shows all the gems and tells the hardness of them. I found some gems that I never heard of in this book. It showed very good pictures of them so I was able to look them up on E-Bay and get them. I would advise anyone wanting to learn about gems for any reason to get this book. REVIEW: I bought this book for my 2nd grader who loves rock collecting. The pictures are brightly colored and the book contains a lot of information. He can not read the book on his own yet, but he spends hours paging through the book looking at pictures and descriptions of rocks. This book has so much information on gemstones that I have been able to answer all of his questions. REVIEW: Guess I'm part Crow; shiny, sparkle things definitely attract my attention, while the human side of me wants to know what they are, where they come from, and how they are formed. This book actually appeals to both sides. The color plates are very eye appealing, so my crow self is happy and my human self has plenty of tables, charts, and descriptions to satisfy it's inquisitive nature. While this will not be the only Gem Reference book in my library, it is very much worth reading over and over again. Highly Recommend REVIEW: This is an exceptional, concise and thorough handbook. It is informative as to the classification according to structures, methods of mining, identification of stones and minerals and uses. The illustrations are excellent, the index and table of contents are easily accessible, and even have photos, also.. There are stones in their natural, unfinished state, polished and faceted, and lush examples of jewelry made using gems. It is one of my favorite books on gemstones REVIEW: For a general-interest guide to gemstones, this spectacular little book is remarkably thorough, authoritative, and comprehensive. Minerals are classified by color, crystal structure, composition, and hardness. History and geology are prominent subjects as well. The information throughout is well-organized, clearly-presented, and easy to reference. Best of all, the full-color visuals are absolutely stunning. The book--like its subject matter--is a spectacular marriage of science & art. A big thumbs-up! REVIEW: A great book for beginners and experienced gemstone enthusiasts alike. Information ranges from simple descriptions for identification purposes (especially inclusions), to detailed terminology for the experienced rock hound. I have purchased so called beginners books in the past (for identification purposes) and they require expert gemologists to understand. REVIEW: Never thought there were so many crystals that can be cut into gemstones. Never saw so many beautiful pictures of cut loose gemstones in one place. Well explained, from formation, physical and optical properties, imitation and enhancement. Especially appreciate the color key section, with gemstones grouped according to color in which it is always, usually and sometimes available. Probably the best books on properties and identification of gemstones. I am positively THRILLED to own it, and I am only a gemstone lover and admirer. REVIEW: This is a clear, concise, easy to read guide to gems. Well photographed. A great primer for those unfamiliar with all the different types of stones, and a good reference for those who are more knowledgeable. Excellent for jewelers and designers to use with customers. Highly recommended. REVIEW: Very happy with this book. Offers full color pictures, RI's, and such for stone identification and/or verification. Interesting and essential for anyone in Lapidary jewelry making work. Well organized and easy to use for reference and finding what you need to find. Definitely a bench handbook for stone identification, Well worth the money. REVIEW: If you really want to know about gems... buy this book! The information and the Illustrations it contains is remarkable. Absolutely Recommend this to anyone interested in gemstones. REVIEW: This books is so complete. The introduction takes you through what makes a gem, what gives it value, and then the whole rest of the books is about each gemstone and it's hardness, typical cuts, colors, where found, what to look for. This book is a MUST!!!!! REVIEW: I ordered this book as a gift for my grandmother. She recently went to New Mexico and fell in love with all the shiny rocks and gemstones she found there. So I came home, I did my research, and searched for an inexpensive gemstone book with excellent reviews. This book seemed highly recommended from fellow lovers of shiny things, and I am really glad I went with it. It is filled with tons of pictures, and the text, while very informative, is simple enough for anyone to understand. REVIEW: This is a great little book. I bought a copy for my rock and gem club's library, and we liked it so well that we bought another copy and donated it to our local public library. I especially like the way it shows the gems and minerals in their natural state, then cut cabochon, cut and faceted also. REVIEW: I bought this for my 7-yr. old daughter - budding rock hound and naturalist! Like other DK books, the photography is luscious and the layout is casual and very inviting - full of beautiful images. It provides a great overview and history of gemstones and their appeal, where specific stones can be found and appealing photographs of the different cuts of stones. It also provides detailed "specifics" such as structure, composition and hardness. This is a thoroughly engaging book for all ages and it is highly recommended. ADDITIONAL BACKGROUND: GEMSTONES IN ANCIENT HISTORY: Throughout history, gemstones were believed capable of curing illness to providing protection. Found in Egypt dated 1500 B. C., the "Papyrus Ebers" offered one of most complete therapeutic manuscripts containing prescriptions using gemstones and minerals. In the eastern civilizations of China, India, and Tibet, gemstones were not only valued for their medicinal and protective properties, but also for educational and spiritual enhancement. Hereinbelow are a few examples of the uses for and beliefs concerning specific gemstone varieties in the ancient world. Hematite: Hematite has been used for ornamental purposes since the earliest days of recorded human civilization. The ancient Egyptians used hematite in the creation of their magical amulets such as the carpenter stone, head rest amulets, and heart amulets. Some of these amulets were treatments for madness and inflammation. In several royal tombs hematite signet rings have been found once belonging to the interned Pharaoh. Hematite's use as a healing stone reaches back not only to ancient Egypt, but as well to ancient Mesopotamia. Ancient healing traditions for hematite were originally described using the name “bloodstone”. It was used to stop the flow of blood from wounds and drawing poisons from the body. The Greek word haima, which means blood, is the root of hematite's name and originates from the dark red streak which some varieties of hematite possess. Warriors in Roman world used hematite as protection during battle. So strong was their belief in the power of hematite to protect them that they thought it could even make them invincible. Red Ochre is another form of hematite which was used by many primitive cultures as a face and body paint [AncientGifts]. u>Jet: The adjective “jet-black” is perhaps better known than is this mineral from which the expression is derived. Jet is formed by the compression of lignite, an organic material that was once driftwood. Lignite layers are often found with amber and so Jet is often called "black amber". Jet is found in one of two forms, hard and soft. "Hard" jet is the result of the carbon compression and salt water; "soft" jet is the result of the carbon compression and fresh water. The heat and pressure caused by burial transformed the fossilized drift wood into this much darker and denser material. As such jet, like coal, is millions of years old. Surprisingly it is very light and warm to touch, and like amber, will create static electricity when rubbed. Jet is easily polished and has been used in the manufacture of jewelry and amulets since about 10,000 B.C. in areas of both Britain and Germany. Jet has been actively mined since about 1500 B.C. both in Britain as well as Asia Minor. Items of jet such as beads, pendants and charms have been found in ancient burial mounds. The Pueblo Indians were known for burying jet with their dead for protection in the afterlife. Jet beads together with amulets not only of jet but also of amber, have often been found in the burial places (barrows) of the European bronze-age people who lived approximately 10,000 years ago. It is thought that the shiny black stone might have been worn to ward off evil spirits. When the Romans came to Britain, there was a thriving jet mining, carving and polishing industry in Whitby on the Yorkshire coast, and elsewhere in Yorkshire. The Romans had great liking for jet, and jet objects are often found on Roman sites, these including hair pins, bracelets, medallions and finger rings. Very large quantities of Roman-era jet rings were found in Britain during excavations in the 1920’s. Jet enjoyed a resurgence of popularity during the Victorian period. This industry continues today on a smaller scale, and Whitby jet is recognized as one of the main sources of the finest quality of jet. The name “jet” is derived from the old French jaiet, which came from the Latin word gagates after the River Gages, where it was first mined near the Mediterranean coast of Asia Minor. In the 16th century, jet was believed to be black amber and commonly used in rosary beads. Jet was also burned by the wives of sailors to protect them at sea. Jet was historically considered protective against illness, the evil eye and personal attacks. The thin smoke produced by energetically rubbing the jet was supposed to be potent in dissolving spells and enchantments and curing patients who had been 'overlooked' by someone possessed of the evil eye. On occasion it might be employed to drive away devils and for this virtue it had to thank its blackness which matched that of the devil. It was often mentioned in history, and the fourteenth century poet Chaucer talks of a gate of bright black stone found in Yorkshire, and the fact that jet was worn by the “fashion conscious” of the era [AncientGifts]. Obsidian: Obsidian is glass created by volcanic heat, similar to the way in which a diamond is formed, but it cooled too fast to form crystals. The ancient Roman Historian Pliny described obsidian as “obsidianus”, so named from its resemblance to a stone found in Ethiopia by one Obsius, and thus was the origin of the name “obsidian”. Obsidian has been prized by peoples of the ancient Near East for making tools and objects of art and personal adornment since before the beginnings of settled communities. In fact, modern archaeologists have identified obsidian quarries on the Greek island of Melos over 35,000 years old. Widely distributed, but in a relatively limited number of localities, each with a unique chemical signature, obsidian has proven to be an ideal material for archaeological studies of early trade in the ancient Near East (Levant) and Mediterranean, revealing that obsidian was traded along routes that stretched thousands of miles, reaching backward in time into the Neolithic. It was regarded as magical in ancient times, used as an amulet, to cure illness, and polished into a mirror used as a scrying tool (to foresee the future). In Ubaid (early Mesopotamia) in the fifth millennium BC, blades were manufactured from obsidian mined in today's Turkey. In the third millennium B.C., ancient Egyptians used obsidian imported from the eastern Mediterranean and southern Red Sea regions. In Ancient Meso-America the Incan people used mahogany obsidian to create masks, mirrors, and weapons. Ancient Greeks associated obsidian with Pluto, the god of the underworld and keeper of hidden treasures. Obsidian was valued in Stone Age cultures because, like flint, it could be fractured to produce sharp blades or arrowheads. Obsidian blade edges can reach almost molecular thinness, leading to its ancient use as projectile points and blades, and its modern use as surgical scalpel blades. Obsidian was also polished to create early mirrors. Obsidian is usually black, sometimes red or brown, and in the rarest occasions mahogany, rainbow, gold, silver, green, and a black variety with white inclusions known as “snowflake” obsidian. Snowflake obsidian was one of the earliest stones used for scrying, or seeing visions. It is these deviations in color that give obsidian a gem-like quality. Even jet black obsidian is highly prized as a gem when it is carved and polished. Obsidian’s medical uses in the ancient world included calming phobias and stopping convulsions. Mahogany obsidian was believed to relive tension, heal gums, and improve circulation Spiritually it was believed to provide an accurate reflection of personality changes that need to be made, clarify the soul and bring good luck. Mahogany obsidian was regarded as a stone of strength, giving the wearer the ability to follow one's own convictions even in the face of adversity and bringing strength in times of need. A stone of reflection, this form of obsidian was believed to help with inner reflection, mirroring one’s flaws while bringing self-acceptance, helping with decision making, and enabling wearers to make significant change in difficult areas of our lives. The stone is also thought be some to increase sensuality - particularly with the sense of touch [AncientGifts]. Moldavite: Moldavite is the only known gemstone with an extraterrestrial origin. Very rare and found principally only in a limited area of present-day Czechoslovakia in the hills, valleys, impact craters, and waters of the Moldau and Vltava rivers). The gemstones are the melted and fused remains of the outer surface of (one or more) meteorites or comets which crashed into present-day Germany some 14.7 millions years ago. Evidence demonstrates that even Cro-Magnon man during the Upper Paleolithic collected the gemstones as long as 30,000 years ago. The fine bubbles trapped within the gemstone possess the evidence of its extraterrestrial origin (read further below). All moldavite has such tiny little gas bubbles. No gas bubbles (many of them elongated) and it is not moldavite. The bubbles are the consequence of being formed 25 kilometers above the earth from the molten remains of the meteorite. Evidence suggests that there were a series of major meteor impacts in an area stretching from Germany and Austria through Czechoslovakia. Great pressures and heat caused by the collision created a sort of “instant magma”, which exploded back into the atmosphere. The most significant strike formed the Ries crater at Nordlingen in southern Germany. In the impact the kinetic energy of the 15 mile a second speed of the meteorite was transformed into thermal energy. The meteorite exploded, and the released heat melted the meteorite which was shot up by the pressure of the explosion into a height of about 50 kilometers. At the moment of impact the explosion would have been comparable with multiple hydrogen bombs. The atmosphere would have been torn apart, and moldavite formed in the vacuum bubble. The molten moldavite then fell back to Mother Earth in droplets. A very unique and specific feature of moldavite are the minute round bubbles inside the gemstone material. America’s NASA examined the gaseous inclusions and determined that the pressure of rare gasses within the gemstone was equivalent to the atmospheric pressure of roughly 20 - 25 kilometers above the Earths surface, demonstrating that the gemstones were indeed formed miles above the earth’s surface as a molten substance. Known as a tektite, moldavite resembles obsidian. The oldest discoveries of worked moldavite goes as far back as the Stone Age, when moldavite was worn as amulets, mostly because of the natural appearance and striking green color. Professor Vladimir Bouska, in his book “Moldavites - The Czech Tektites”, states that “The first human being that was interested in Moldavites was a Cro-Magnon man from the…Upper Paleolithic. Several pieces of green Moldavite glass (perhaps amuletic in nature) were found together with the famous statue of Venus of Willendorf, which is about 29,000 years old, at Willendorf in Lower Austria. Articles fashioned from moldavite have also been unearthed at many other archaeological sites throughout Central Europe which yielded relics from prehistoric inhabitants. Moldavite was first described in print more than two hundreds years ago. The first scientific report about these strange stones was published in 1786 when Professor Josef Mayer delivered a paper at the symposium of the Czech Society of Sciences. Only a few dozen pieces of moldavite have been found outside Czechoslovakia (in Austria and/or Germany). Since the late nineteenth century not only gemstones have been produced from moldavite, but other objects have been decorated with this fabulous gemstone, such as tiaras, combs, rings, earrings, cuff links, and walking sticks. Previously little known due to its rarity, interest in moldavite increased considerably in the 1960’s. The renewed interest was sparked when the government of Switzerland presented Queen Elizabeth II, on the occasion of the tenth anniversary of her coronation, with a commemorative tiara. In the center of that tiara was placed a Czech moldavite in its natural state, surrounded with diamonds and black pearls. Since that time the export of moldavite from Czechoslovakia has been severely curtailed and is highly regulated. Both meteorites as well as green gemstones (almost always referred to as “emerald” in ancient texts) have held special significance to mankind. It has been recorded by many historians that in numerous ancient civilizations meteorites were held sacred and were said to have incredibly mysterious powers. One of ancient history’s most frequent examples is in Ancient Egypt where meteorites were found in the Great Pyramids as well as in many lesser royal tombs. In another example, a stone believed to be a meteorite was kept in a revered repository within Apollo's temple at Delphi in ancient Greece. The third century Roman Emperor Elegabalus was also the High Priest of the cult religion worshipping the Semitic Sun God El-Gabal, the patron deity of the emperor's birthplace, Emesa. Elegabalus erected at the Roman Palatine a temple called the Elagabalium, which housed a black conical meteorite. According to the Roman Historian Herodian, the meteorite was, “worshipped as though it were sent from heaven”. In yet another example, the wall of the Ka'ba, the holiest shrine of Islam at Mecca, contains a black stone that has been reported to be of meteoritic origin. In fact throughout the ancient world sorcerers and magicians from Babylon and Egypt, as well as astrologers in Middle Ages, attributed a magic power to influence the human body to all green stones. Even today these beliefs remain strong, particularly in the countries of East Asia. In fact ancient Asian accounts of the gemstone claim that it fell from the Sirius star system. Moldavite’s history in magic and spirituality was also recorded in the Middle Ages, wherein it was regarded as a mystical stone that could bring good luck and fulfillment of wishes. In Czech folklore, moldavite was believed to bring harmony and healing to marital relationships, and the green crystal was used as a traditional betrothal gift there for centuries. In Medieval Europe moldavite was also believed to be one of the stones mounted into the Holy Grail, the legendary chalice which held Christ’s blood (other legends attribute it as the drinking cup Christ used at the last supper). One version of the Holy Grail myth maintains that the grail was actually a cup cut from a green “grail stone”, and that the grail stone fell from the sky out of a crown of a high-ranking angel (thus the connection to moldavite, the only 'cosmic' gemstone known to exist). In one Eastern European folk tale, Satan's crown was said to be made of moldavite, which melted as he fell to Earth. In yet another folk tale, one of the jewels on the hilt of the sword Excaliber is said to have been moldavite. There are also legends that Mohammed brought three pieces of moldavite, once owned by Abraham, and placed them at Mecca. Even more ancient legends hold that King Solomon owned moldavite gemstones. Moldavite has also been referred as “The Philosopher’s Stone”, the key to turning focused thoughts into reality, and for transmuting ordinary elements into gold. In the ancient world it was believed that moldavite gave the wearer energy, removed tiredness, headaches, and improved the quality of concentration as well as meditation. Moldavite was prized by numerous cultures for its healing properties, and was also believed to aiding those who suffered from panic attacks and anxiety. Contemporary practitioners believe that moldavite it can accelerate spiritual development and help the wearer make conscious contact with the “higher self”. Used a meditation aid, it is believed to help one pierce the veil “between the worlds”, open communication with spirit guides and deities, and encourage visions of higher planes. Moldavite crystal is said to be a catalyst for inner evolution towards one’s highest good. Advocates claim that the changes it brings can be intense and rapid, but they are, by all accounts, significant and valuable to the individual though improvements to the physical body, one’s dream life, one’s awareness of healing spirit guides and other aspects of the spiritual dimensions, one’s career, and one’s relationships. With respect to physical health, it is believed that the iron inclusions in moldavite help with anemia and give physical strength, and that it can magnify the healing energies in other stones. It is also believed quite effective in healing the damages wrought by pollution or ills of the modern world, such as asthma, and that it also helps smokers “kick the habit”. On the metaphysical plane, moldavite is likened to an electrical accumulator which stores universal energy, and then can surrender that stored energy to the wearer, increasing the spiritual vitality of the wearer, infusing the wearer with knowledge, and enhancing healing abilities. Moldavite is also believed to facilitate the disconnection from unhealthy attachments, and to encourage more meaningful and vivid dreams. Western practitioners of the Chinese form of healing meditation known as Qigong use moldavite believing that the crystals increase the flow of energy from the cosmos and earth into their personal energy field, increasing their ability to heal themselves and others through the use of Qigong. Similar results are claimed by the users of Reiki, the Japanese healing form of energy distribution through the laying of hands [AncientGifts]. Unakite: Unakite has been used in ornamental stone work for centuries in Europe, particularly in Switzerland and Russia. There is evidence that a site in Switzerland was a source in the ancient world. In the United States unakite was first “discovered” in North Carolina, and was named for the Unakas Mountains where it was found. Unakite is also found as pebbles and cobbles from glacial drift in the beach rock on the shores of Lake Superior. It is the state stone of Virginia, where it is found in the river valleys after having been washed down from the Blue Ridge Mountains. Unakite is also found in South Africa, many European countries including Switzerland and Russia, as well as Brazil, and China. Unakite is an altered granite composed of pink orthoclase feldspar, green epidote, and relatively clear quartz. It exists in various shades of green and salmon-pink and is usually mottled in appearance. Good quality unakite is considered a semiprecious stone, will take a good polish, and is often used in jewelry and other lapidary work such as eggs, spheres and other carvings. It is also referred to as epidotized granite. Epidote, one of the primary components of unakite, is a very uncommon but attractive, pistachio-green colored gemstone crystal. “Epidote” (from the Greek for "addition") is named after the numerous crystal faces it shows in its natural crystalline form. Transparent dark green crystals cut as gemstones look very similar to chrome diopside and chrome tourmaline (traces of the element chromium giving the distinctive green color of both gemstones). Though specific references to unakite in the ancient world are sparse, it is known that unakite was long favored in Medieval Europe as a healing stone, believed to have powerful balancing properties, and was also believed to enhance psychic abilities. Modern practitioners believe that unakite allows people to concentrate on the present rather than dwelling on past negative events. It is also thought by some to bring clarity and aid in decision making. Advocates also suggest that unakite can help find love, aid in recuperation from illnesses, and help maintain a healthy pregnancy. It is believed to beneficially affect the digestive and circulatory system, particularly the heart, and is also believed helpful for those who have cysts or tumors. Unakite is also used to aid weight loss efforts, and is believed to benefit the human reproductive system (especially so for women), enhancing fertility. It is also believed useful in balancing out the negative “electromagnetic pollution” caused by televisions, computers, and computer monitors. Unakite is also considered therapeutic for those suffering a “broken heart”, those who feel trapped in grief and find it difficult to move on, and those who are unable to comfort others, or are uncomfortable receiving comfort from others [AncientGifts]. SHIPPING & RETURNS/REFUNDS: We always ship books domestically (within the USA) via USPS INSURED media mail (“book rate”). Most international orders cost an additional $19.99 to $53.99 for an insured shipment in a heavily padded mailer. There is also a discount program which can cut postage costs by 50% to 75% if you’re buying about half-a-dozen books or more (5 kilos+). Our postage charges are as reasonable as USPS rates allow. ADDITIONAL PURCHASES do receive a VERY LARGE discount, typically about $5 per book (for each additional book after the first) so as to reward you for the economies of combined shipping/insurance costs. Your purchase will ordinarily be shipped within 48 hours of payment. We package as well as anyone in the business, with lots of protective padding and containers. All of our shipments are fully insured against loss, and our shipping rates include the cost of this coverage (through stamps.com, Shipsaver.com, the USPS, UPS, or Fed-Ex). International tracking is provided free by the USPS for certain countries, other countries are at additional cost. We do offer U.S. Postal Service Priority Mail, Registered Mail, and Express Mail for both international and domestic shipments, as well United Parcel Service (UPS) and Federal Express (Fed-Ex). Please ask for a rate quotation. Please note for international purchasers we will do everything we can to minimize your liability for VAT and/or duties. But we cannot assume any responsibility or liability for whatever taxes or duties may be levied on your purchase by the country of your residence. If you don’t like the tax and duty schemes your government imposes, please complain to them. We have no ability to influence or moderate your country’s tax/duty schemes. If upon receipt of the item you are disappointed for any reason whatever, I offer a no questions asked 30-day return policy. Send it back, I will give you a complete refund of the purchase price; 1) less our original shipping/insurance costs, 2) less any non-refundable fees imposed by eBay Please note that though they generally do, eBay may not always refund payment processing fees on returns beyond a 30-day purchase window. So except for shipping costs and any payment processing fees not refunded by eBay, we will refund all proceeds from the sale of a return item. Obviously we have no ability to influence, modify or waive eBay policies. ABOUT US: Prior to our retirement we used to travel to Eastern Europe and Central Asia several times a year seeking antique gemstones and jewelry from the globe’s most prolific gemstone producing and cutting centers. Most of the items we offer came from acquisitions we made in Eastern Europe, India, and from the Levant (Eastern Mediterranean/Near East) during these years from various institutions and dealers. Much of what we generate on Etsy, Amazon and Ebay goes to support worthy institutions in Europe and Asia connected with Anthropology and Archaeology. Though we have a collection of ancient coins numbering in the tens of thousands, our primary interests are ancient/antique jewelry and gemstones, a reflection of our academic backgrounds. Though perhaps difficult to find in the USA, in Eastern Europe and Central Asia antique gemstones are commonly dismounted from old, broken settings – the gold reused – the gemstones recut and reset. Before these gorgeous antique gemstones are recut, we try to acquire the best of them in their original, antique, hand-finished state – most of them originally crafted a century or more ago. We believe that the work created by these long-gone master artisans is worth protecting and preserving rather than destroying this heritage of antique gemstones by recutting the original work out of existence. That by preserving their work, in a sense, we are preserving their lives and the legacy they left for modern times. Far better to appreciate their craft than to destroy it with modern cutting. Not everyone agrees – fully 95% or more of the antique gemstones which come into these marketplaces are recut, and the heritage of the past lost. But if you agree with us that the past is worth protecting, and that past lives and the produce of those lives still matters today, consider buying an antique, hand cut, natural gemstone rather than one of the mass-produced machine cut (often synthetic or “lab produced”) gemstones which dominate the market today. We can set most any antique gemstone you purchase from us in your choice of styles and metals ranging from rings to pendants to earrings and bracelets; in sterling silver, 14kt solid gold, and 14kt gold fill. When you purchase from us, you can count on quick shipping and careful, secure packaging. We would be happy to provide you with a certificate/guarantee of authenticity for any item you purchase from us. There is a $3 fee for mailing under separate cover. I will always respond to every inquiry whether via email or eBay message, so please feel free to write.