corundum, history.1, gems, Arabic mineralogy, early lapidaries

Wiedemann examines the values assigned to precious stones in medieval Islamic sources, drawing upon Arabic writings on mineralogy, commerce, and gemology. He discusses the prices and relative esteem of various gemstones, including ruby, emerald, sapphire, pearls, and other ornamental materials, and considers the factors affecting their valuation, such as color, quality, size, provenance, and rarity. The paper provides insight into Islamic knowledge of gemstones and the economic and cultural importance attached to them, preserving information from Arabic authors concerning the classification, appraisal, and trade of precious stones.