An introduction to the relatively modern science that deals with technical aspects of gemstones and gem material. Suitable for the rank beginner, but also geared to be a text for people taking the British Gemmological Association's examinations. Very slim bibliography. Annotation copyright Book News, Inc. Portland, Or.
I always have this book on my current shelf, I am rereading the chapter on crystalography. This is the text that the Gemmological Association in England uses for their FGA course. It is an excellent text.