Gemology Books Bibliography
Explore books on gems, gemology, jewelry and mineralogy in Four Treasures, the Lotus Gemology reference database. This bibliography brings together matching book records from the collection, with publication details, abstracts and cover images where available.
Gemology Book References
The list below matches books concerning gemology and related subjects in the database's searchable fields. Some works cover several branches of gems, jewelry or mineralogy.
141–160 of 3,436 matching references
Age dating of gem-quality zircon and sapphire from the New England gem fields, New South Wales, Australia, and its application to the geological origin of the sapphires
Abduriyim, A., Sutherland, F.L., Coldham, T.S. and Belousova, E. (2025)
Journal Article · Source: Journal of Gemmology · Volume: Vol. 39 · Issue: No. 7 · Pages: pp. 656–671
Abstract
Transparent pale yellow to brown zircon megacrysts occur with gem corundum in alluvial deposits linked to alkali basalts of the Inverell–Glen Innes District, New South Wales, Australia. Previous LA-ICP-MS analyses of zircons from Kings Plains, Mary Anne Gully, and Swan Brook showed chemical homogeneity and yielded two age groups: 216–174 Ma (Late Triassic–Early Jurassic) and 45–37.7 Ma (Eocene). New U-Pb dating of zircon inclusions in gem-quality blue sapphires produced concordant ages of 37 ± 1.7 Ma (Kings Plains) and 35.1 ± 1.6 Ma (Mary Anne Gully), matching the 38–33 Ma K-Ar ages of the Maybole volcanic suite and aligning with the younger zircon population. These results, together with gemmological and chemical evidence, demonstrate a genetic connection between sapphire crystallisation in the deep crust or mantle and subsequent transport to the surface by alkali basaltic magmas.
Keywords
gems, corundum, Australia.12, zircon, geology.11, New England District
Machine-learning applications in gemmology: Classifying the geographic origin of ruby and sapphire using chemical data
Seneewong-Na-Ayutthaya, M., Sripoonjan, T., Wanthanachaisaeng, B., Leelawatanasuk, T., Lhuaamporn, T. and Suwanmanee, W. (2025)
Journal Article · Source: Journal of Gemmology · Volume: Vol. 39 · Issue: No. 7 · Pages: pp. 634–655
Abstract
Determining the geographic origin of ruby and sapphire is vital for their valuation, authentication, and ethical sourcing, yet traditional methods relying on expert assessment of visual, chemical, and spectroscopic traits can be subjective and inconclusive when deposits share overlapping features. This study applies machine learning to trace-element geochemical data from rubies and sapphires analyzed by EDXRF and LA-ICP-MS. Models trained on LA-ICP-MS data, with its superior sensitivity, achieved markedly higher classification accuracy than those based on EDXRF. Among the algorithms tested, random forests and artificial neural networks exceeded 90% accuracy for both ruby and sapphire, though metamorphic sapphires remained the most difficult to classify due to overlapping chemical profiles. The findings highlight machine learning’s potential to revolutionize gemmology by providing a scalable, reproducible, and objective framework for origin determination, paving the way for more standardized gem certification.
Keywords
gems, corundum, origin determination
The Origin of Color in Tanzanite and Zoisite from Merelani, Tanzania
Schwarzinger, C., Ulatowski, S. and Rossman, G.R. (2025)
Electronic Article · Publisher: Center of Scientific Gemmology at Institute for Chemical Technology of Organic Materials at Johannes Kepler University Linz · Pages: 22 pp.
Abstract
Zoisite and especially its blue-to-violet variety tanzanite are popular gemstones. While the mineral is found in several places around the world, gem quality material mostly comes from a region southeast of Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania. Naturally blue to violet material is rather rare but a simple heat treatment can convert much of the off-colored, yellowish or grayish rough, which represents the majority of the crystals unearthed, to violet or blue colors of various tones and saturation. The source of violetish blue color are small amounts of vanadium substituting for aluminum but little is known that zoisite can also be found in other attractive colors, such as yellow, green, pink or even colorless. In this article we investigate zoisites from Merelani, Tanzania and correlate their colors with the presence and concentration of trace elements, as well as the changes in color after heat treatment. Vanadium in blue, chromium in green, manganese in pink to red and an iron titanium intervalence charge transfer complex in yellow zoisites have been found to be the most important chromophores but also rare earth elements such as neodymium seem to play a role in coloration when present in larger amounts, e.g. in orange stones.
Keywords
gems, tanzanite, zoisite, chromophores, spectra
Archaeometric study of a unique medieval golden ring with a reddish-purple sapphire (corundum) gemstone from the Zvolen Castle, Slovakia
Pažinová, N.B., Beljak, J., Bačík, P., Milovská, S., Lalinská-Voleková, B. and Štubňa, J. (2025)
Journal Article · Source: Journal of Archaeological Science: Reports · Issue: No. 66 · Pages: 16 pp.
Abstract
This article presents an archaeometric study of a medieval corundum ring discovered at Pustý hrad (Deserted Castle) above Zvolen in Central Slovakia, shedding light on the gemstone’s origin, use, and craftsmanship. The ring, dating to around 1300, is an 18-karat gold piece set with a rare reddish-purple sapphire estimated at approximately 2.00 carats—an exceptional find in the context of medieval jewellery. Identified as corundum through standard gemological methods, Raman and absorption spectroscopy, and microscopic inspection, the stone showed no evidence of heat treatment. EDXRF analysis of trace elements (Ti, V, Cr, Fe, Ga) points to Sri Lanka as the probable source. The ring’s origin and quality underscore the sophistication of medieval trade networks and the symbolic value of such objects, which were not merely ornamental but also conveyed wealth, status, and spiritual protection. The engraved animal motifs on the ring’s shoulders reflect the influence of medieval iconography, illustrating the broader cultural and symbolic dimensions of gem-set jewellery in the High Middle Ages.
Keywords
gems, ancient gemology, ancient jewelry, Medieval sapphire ring, Sri Lanka, Ceylon
G&G Micro-World: Prismatic zircon in Kashmir sapphire
Estrella, A. and Smith, T. (2025)
Journal Article · Source: Gems & Gemology · Volume: Vol. 61 · Issue: No. 1, Spring · Pages: p. 80
Abstract
Recently, the author examined a faceted blue oval sapphire. Standard gemological properties and chemical analysis indicated a geographic origin of Kashmir. Microscopic examination revealed internal graining, fine particle banding, and fingerprint inclusions. Interestingly, elongated zircon inclusions were also observed, displaying attractive birefringent interference colors under cross-polarized filters caused by the splitting of light in the doubly refractive crystals. Kashmir sapphire is one of the rarest and most valuable gemstones in the world, renowned for its beauty and quality, and this stone was no exception. [RWH: With brief notes like this, one should not place too much confidence in the origin determination]
Keywords
gems, advanced testing, cathodoluminescence, CL
Lab Notes: Irreversible photochromism in synthetic sapphire
Estrella, A. and Smith, T. (2025)
Journal Article · Source: Gems & Gemology · Volume: Vol. 61 · Issue: No. 1, Spring · Pages: p. 70
Keywords
gems, advanced testing, cathodoluminescence, CL
Emeralds in Catherine de’ Medici’s pendant: An unexpected geographic origin
Panczer, G., Fesquet, R., Moshi, L., Riondet, G., Cassius-Duranton, M.-L., Gilles-Guéry, L., Delaunay, A. and Karampelas, S. (2025)
Journal Article · Source: Gems & Gemology · Volume: Vol. 61 · Issue: No. 1, Spring · Pages: pp. 44–56
Abstract
A sixteenth-century pendant on display at the Museum of the National Library of France in Paris has been linked to Catherine de’ Medici, Queen of France from 1547 to 1559, and François Dujardin, goldsmith to King Charles IX beginning in 1570. The pendant is adorned with two emeralds that one historian claimed were Colombian without documentation or scientific proof. This study aims to confirm the nature of these emeralds and determine their geographic origin. The microscopic, spectroscopic, and chemical data collected in this study indicate that these two emeralds are from Pakistan. The presence of emeralds from Pakistan in this sixteenth-century European pendant provides strong evidence of the existence of trade routes between Asia and Europe during this period of time, or even before, and suggests such emeralds might be present in other royal jewels.
Keywords
gems, advanced testing, cathodoluminescence, CL
Archaeological Stones and Their Macroscopic Identification
Harrell, J.A. (2025)
Book · Publisher: Archaeopress · Pages: 284 pp.
Keywords
gems, geology, mineralogy, gemology, for archaeologists
Research on glass imitation jade culture in the ancient Chinese Silk Road
Huang, S., Wang, Z. and Zhu, J. (2025)
Journal Article · Source: Scientific Reports · Volume: Vol. 15 · Issue: No. 4674
Abstract
This paper undertakes a multi-dimensional exploration of the glass imitation jade culture under the context of the ancient Silk Road, tracing the historical trajectory of glass manufacturing technology from West Asia to China, especially after the Han Dynasty, when the flourishing trade along the Silk Road facilitated the integration of foreign glass craftsmanship with China’s indigenous imitation jade tradition. This integration prompted Chinese glass artifacts to not only incorporate foreign techniques but also emphasize the texture and cultural symbolism of jade. Through systematic archaeological excavations and historical text analysis, this study delves into the unique phenomenon of glass imitation jade on the ancient Silk Road in China, providing detailed exposition on the formation, characteristics, and profound impact of this cultural practice. Imitation jade culture extends beyond physical forms, permeating material selection, technological innovation, and cultural symbol inheritance. As a gem of ancient Chinese craft art, the glass imitation jade culture offers valuable insights into understanding the aesthetic features of ancient cultures, cultural exchange patterns, and the evolution of craft technologies. This paper innovatively proposes that ancient glass-making practices imitation jade can serve as a new means to actively protect natural jade resources in modern times, offering a fresh perspective for the exploration and study of the Silk Road cultural heritage.
Keywords
gems, jade, imitation jade, glass, testing, jade testing, Central Asia, archeogemology,
Le traitement thermique des gemmes: Histoire d’un savoir-faire ancestral, de l’expérience à la science
The heat treatment of gemstones: The history of an ancestral skill, from experience to science
Cassius-Duranton, M.-L. (2025)
Journal Article · Source: Revue de Gemmologie A.F.G. · Issue: No. 225, March · Pages: pp. 16–20 · Language: in French
Abstract
The history of heat treatment falls within an interdisciplinary field of inquiry, involving the reconstruction of know-how from archaeological discoveries; drawing on pre-scientific written sources, when available—chiefly lapidaries, alchemical treatises, and technical recipe books; experimenting with the methods described in those texts; and conducting gemological analyses to determine whether the gemstones have been heat-treated. Until now, experiments and analyses have mainly been carried out in the archaeological sphere, primarily in prehistoric and protohistoric contexts, as part of research into the lithic industry. In contrast, this question has been scarcely addressed for later periods such as the Middle Ages and the modern era (5th century to the end of the 18th century). It is important to emphasize that in ancient texts, one finds both practices with actual effectiveness and magical practices rooted in belief and ritual—such as the use of goat’s blood to cut diamond, first mentioned by Pliny the Elder in Natural History (Book 37, Chapter 15, Section 3) in the 1st century, and later repeated in treatises on gems, even during the Renaissance. Furthermore, reconstructing these recipes is not always easy, as those who wrote them were not necessarily those who practiced them, and one must not underestimate the secretive nature of these valuable skills.
Keywords
gems, ancient gems, corundum, treatments.6
Geographic origin determination of high-quality green jadeite-omphacite jade (fei cui) from Myanmar, Guatemala and Italy using statistical processing coupled with spectroscopic and chemical analyses
Liu, S., Man, K., Seneewong-Na-Ayutthaya, M., Jakkawandvibul, J. and Lee, T. (2024)
Journal Article · Source: Journal of Gemmology · Volume: Vol. 39 · Issue: No. 2 · Pages: pp. 123–144
Abstract
Twenty-seven samples of high-quality green jadeite–omphacite jade from Myanmar, Guatemala, and Italy were characterized to develop a methodology for geographic origin determination and to establish a workflow suitable for commercial gemmological laboratories. The specimens were analyzed using UV-Vis-NIR, FTIR, and Raman spectroscopy, as well as EDXRF and LA-ICP-MS chemical analysis. Statistical processing was applied to compare features and identify discriminant factors. This integrated approach yielded promising and practical results for distinguishing jadeite–omphacite jade from these localities. The most useful elements measured by EDXRF were Ti, Cr, Fe, and Ni, while those identified by LA-ICP-MS were Sc, V, Zn, and Au. For origin determination, LA-ICP-MS provided excellent differentiation power (100% separation rate), and the other four methods individually demonstrated varying separation power (≥67%). The combination of spectroscopic methods with EDXRF chemical analysis effectively compensates for the limitations of each individual technique.
Keywords
gems, jade, fei cui, pyroxene jade, jadeite, Myanmar, Burma, Guatemala, Italy
The toad stone (Scheenstia tooth) on the reliquary of Saint Maurus at Bečov Castle (Czech Republic) and its significance
Gregorová, R. and Stehlíková, D. (2024)
Journal Article · Source: Revue de Paleobiologie · Volume: Vol. 43 · Pages: pp. 35–43
Abstract
The paper deals with the oldest evidence of the use of the Scheenstia tooth (Mesozoic lepisosteiform fish) as part of the gem decoration on the early 13th-century reliquary of St. Maurus kept at Bečov nad Teplou Castle (Czech Republic). Since the Middle Ages, these teeth have been thought to be toad stones found in the heads of toads. Until the discovery of the toad stone on the reliquary of St. Maurus, no tangible evidence relating to this stone from this period was known. The discovery of a fossil tooth on such an important sacred art object was preceded by a similar discovery of two teeth on the imperial crown dated to the 14th century and held in the Aachen Cathedral Treasury. Color variations of about 500 pieces of teeth from more than 24 European localities were studied to find out how the color of teeth differs both within one locality and between individual localities. The goal was to understand whether it is possible to determine the provenance of teeth set as part of gem decoration in the Reliquary of St. Maurus and in the crown on the bust of Charlemagne in Aachen. In addition, a comparison of the colors of toad stones from the most important medieval sources with fossil Scheenstia teeth is discussed. Not all toad stones described in medieval literature can be identified with fossil teeth.
Keywords
gems, Toad stone; organic gems; gemology; fossil fish tooth; Scheenstia; reliquary of Saint Maurus; Aachen crown; Bečov nad Teplou Castle; Florennes Abbey; medieval encyclopedias, earliy lapidaries, history of gemology
Gem News International: Update on inclusion scenes in Mozambican rubies
Vertriest, W. (2024)
Journal Article · Source: Gems & Gemology · Volume: Vol. 60 · Issue: No. 1, Spring · Pages: pp. 137–138
Abstract
In August 2022, a team of GIA gemologists visited the ruby mines near Montepuez in the Cabo Delgado province of northern Mozambique (Fall 2022 GNI, pp. 383–386). This included a visit to the deposits farther west in the region, near the village of Caraia. This mining area is north of the N14 road, while most of the previously known productive ruby deposits are southeast of this highway. Ruby mining near Caraia has been ongoing for more than a decade but was mostly limited to artisanal mining activity until 2017. In the last few years, the ruby deposits have been developed on a larger scale by Fura Gems. The first official sale of this material took place in late 2021, and regular auctions have been organized since then (Fall 2021 GNI, pp. 276–277). During GIA’s visit in August 2022, gemologists collected a large suite of rough rubies directly from the wash plant and sort house at the mine site. The samples ranged from 0.1 to 1.2 g and were transparent and fracture-free. The vast majority contained some crystal inclusions, and an extensive inclusion study of this material matched well with the known data from Mozambican ruby, with one exception. The most common inclusions are bands of fine silk, short needles, and particles, including reflective platelets. Mozambican rubies typically show three distinctive types of solid crystals: transparent greenish amphibole crystals with a stubby to elongated shape; pseudohexagonal frosty mica crystals with small expansion fractures; and black opaque sulfide crystals with a metallic luster. All of these features were prevalent in the rubies mined near Caraia. However, one observation stood out: in 8 of the 85 studied samples, zircon crystal inclusions were found. While zircon crystals are also transparent, their relief is higher than that of the more common amphibole crystals. They also tend to be smaller and are rarely elongated in rubies. The most efficient way to identify them is by viewing the stones between crossed polarizers, which highlights the obvious stress halos around the slightly radioactive zircon crystals (figure 1). In all of GIA’s samples, the identification was also confirmed by confocal Raman spectroscopy. To our knowledge, zircon crystals have not been previously documented in rubies from Mozambique. They are, however, a hallmark for rubies from Madagascar (A.C. Palke et al., “Geographic origin determination of ruby,” Winter 2019 G&G, pp. 580–613). The presence of zircon crystal inclusions is often a decisive discriminator in the origin determination of rubies. The inclusion scenes of high-quality Mozambican and Malagasy rubies can look very similar, but only the latter were known to have abundant zircon inclusions. This is no longer true now that zircon inclusions have also been identified in rubies from Mozambique.
Keywords
gems, corundum, ruby, Mozambique.12, Madagascar.12, inclusions.5, zircon, primary rutile
A latecomer but cherished gemstone: The proliferation and uses of emeralds in China
Yang, M. (2024)
Book Section · Source: Garden of Emeralds Exhibition · Publisher: L’École | Van Cleef & Arpels · Pages: pp. 118–127
Abstract
Excellent history of the use of emerald in China.
Keywords
gems, beryl, emerald, China, Davdar, Yunnan, history, Chinese jewelry, history of gemology
The Geographical Guide of Ptolemy of Alexandria | An Analysis
Roller, D.W. (2024)
Book · Source: Routledge Monographs in Classical Studies · Publisher: Routledge · Pages: 231 pp.
Abstract
This volume offers a detailed study of Ptolemy of Alexandria’s Geographical Guide, whose eight books contain a wealth of geographical information unavailable elsewhere and represent the culmination of the Greco-Roman discipline of geography. Written near the middle of the second century CE, the Geographical Guide is the most anomalous of the surviving works of ancient geographical scholarship but offers a vivid record of the expansion of geographical knowledge in antiquity. Roller examines this peculiar text, which offers unique data about explorations in the far reaches of the inhabited world, from Thoule and Hibernia in the northwest to Kattigara in the southeast, and from Serike in northeastern Asia southwest into central Africa. He positions the Guide within the tradition of ancient geography and gives close attention to the reason why Ptolemy wrote the guide and how it contributes to the genre of geographical scholarship. There is also an emphasis on the topographic and ethnic material within the Guide that is new or unique, especially explorations in sub-Saharan Africa and knowledge of the world beyond India. Because the Guide was written over half a century after the previous extant geographical work―the first books of Pliny’s Natural History―the book also assesses how knowledge of geography changed during this period. This work is an essential text for students and scholars of ancient geography, and is also of interest to anyone working on the cultural history of the Roman Empire during this period.
Keywords
gems, history of gemology, ancient mining, Egypt, emerald, Africa, beryl, Egyptian emerald
Emerald and Chinese society during the Yuan and Ming Dynasties
Qui, T. (2024)
Book Section · Source: Garden of Emeralds Exhibition · Publisher: L’École | Van Cleef & Arpels · Pages: pp. 128–141 · Language: parallel English and Chinese texts
Abstract
Brief history of emerald in China during the Yuan and Ming dynasties.
Keywords
gems, beryl, emerald, history of gemology, ancient gems, glyptic, Rome, Greece, Egypt, Arabic Mineralogy
Identifying the Stones of Classical Hebrew: A Modern Philological Approach. Ancient Languages and Civilizations
Ayil, E.S. (2024)
Book · Publisher: Brill · Pages: 252 pp.
Abstract
Since the translation of the Septuagint in the 3rd century BCE, scholars have attempted to identify the stones that populate the biblical text. This study rejects the long-standing reliance on ancient translations for identifying biblical stones. Despite the evident contradictions and historical inconsistencies, scholars traditionally presumed these translations to be reliable. By departing from this approach, this volume presents a novel synthesis of comparative linguistics and archeogemological data. Through rigorous analysis of valid cognates, it establishes correlations between Hebrew stone names and their counterparts in ancient languages, corresponding to known mineral species. This methodological shift enables a more accurate identification of stones mentioned in biblical texts, thus recovering their true historical context. The research not only advances our understanding of biblical mineralogy but also provides a fresh perspective on the material culture of the Ancient Levant, offering valuable insights for scholars and laymen, linguists and archaeologists alike.
Keywords
gems, ancient lapidaries, jasper, agate, garnet, Greek lapidary, history of mineralogy, history of gemology, gems of the bible, high priest’s breastplate, chalcedony, carnelian, lapis lazuli, turquoise, amazonite, amber, onyx, emery, quartz, flint, obsidian, limestone
Emeralds in Islamic arts and civilizations
Cassius-Duranton, M.-L. (2024)
Book Section · Source: Garden of Emeralds Exhibition · Publisher: L’École | Van Cleef & Arpels · Pages: pp. 94–111 · Language: parallel English and Chinese texts
Abstract
Brief history of emerald in the Islamic world.
Keywords
gems, beryl, emerald, history of gemology, ancient gems, glyptic, Rome, Greece, Egypt, Arabic Mineralogy
The many faces of the emerald in the Western world: History, culture & symbols
Cassius-Duranton, M.-L. (2024)
Book Section · Source: Garden of Emeralds Exhibition · Publisher: L’École | Van Cleef & Arpels · Pages: pp. 56–91 · Language: parallel English and Chinese texts
Abstract
Brief history of emerald in the western world.
Keywords
gems, beryl, emerald, history of gemology, ancient gems, glyptic, Rome, Greece, Egypt, Arabic Mineralogy
Garden of Emeralds Exhibition
L’École Van Cleef & Arpels (2024)
Edited Book · Publisher: L’École | Van Cleef & Arpels · Pages: 174 pp. · Language: parallel English and Chinese texts
Abstract
Exhibit catalog for a gorgeous exhibition in Shangai put on by l’Ecole of Van Cleef and Arpels.
Keywords
gems, beryl, emerald, history of gemology, ancient gems, glyptic, Arabic Mineralogy
Building a Gemological Library
Gemological books range from general identification manuals and textbooks to specialized works on individual gems, mineralogy, jewelry, treatments, synthesis, history and gem-producing regions.
For a curated selection of particularly useful books, read The Gemologist's Core Library — Classic Books on Gemology, Jewelry and Mineralogy.
About Four Treasures
Four Treasures is Lotus Gemology's freely accessible gemological reference database. Use the full database to search by author, title or keyword and explore literature on gemology, mineralogy, jewelry and related fields. Where available, hyperlinks on titles may lead directly to the full publication.