2008-02-28 Good for Beginners

This book is good if you are just starting out looking at gemstones and gemmology. However it does not give much more than a brief outline of each stone with a few nice pictures which leaves you wanting more! Good reference charts at the back of the book. Other than the charts, no real visual identifying tips of any real value imo ie. microphotos etc or tips on id synthetics etc. Still a nice book to have and does contribute something when compared with other books.