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The National Gem Collection
The Smithsonian Institution's National Museum of Natural History holds the world's greatest collection of gems. In this beautiful book, now available in paperback, Dr. Jeffrey E. Post, curator of the National Gem and Mineral Collection, discusses everything from diamonds, rubies, and emeralds to jade and lapis lazuli, as well as the Hope Diamond and other world-famous stones in the museum's collection. More than 100 stunning photographs capture the colors and brilliance of these wonders of the mineral kingdom.
144 pages, Paperback
First published September 1, 1997
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Displaying 1 of 1 review
February 5, 2022
A published account highlighting some of the National Gem Collection at the National Museum of Natural History, part of the Smithsonian Museum.
Yes, there are some information about the formation of the most brilliant gemstones as well as locations discovered - at one time, the only location for diamonds was India. There are tales associated with some of the stones, especially if they are famous or notorious.
But the best part is the professional close-up photographs of some pieces. Of course, one being the Hope Diamond. The close ups are fabulous but then there is a small drawing which is to scale which shows that it's this "small" stone that could be covered by your thumb. . . if you could actually get close enough to touch the glass, even more unlikely to ever hold it.
Of course, there are emeralds, rubies, sapphires and more. The special organization of atoms and layers that create the illusions of stars, cats's eyes and the luminescence of opals, labradorite and others.
Interesting but nothing new. But it would be an excellent souvenir for those who explored the collection at it's home at the Smithsonian.
2022-028
Yes, there are some information about the formation of the most brilliant gemstones as well as locations discovered - at one time, the only location for diamonds was India. There are tales associated with some of the stones, especially if they are famous or notorious.
But the best part is the professional close-up photographs of some pieces. Of course, one being the Hope Diamond. The close ups are fabulous but then there is a small drawing which is to scale which shows that it's this "small" stone that could be covered by your thumb. . . if you could actually get close enough to touch the glass, even more unlikely to ever hold it.
Of course, there are emeralds, rubies, sapphires and more. The special organization of atoms and layers that create the illusions of stars, cats's eyes and the luminescence of opals, labradorite and others.
Interesting but nothing new. But it would be an excellent souvenir for those who explored the collection at it's home at the Smithsonian.
2022-028
Displaying 1 of 1 review