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

This treatise is one of the earliest Arabic works devoted entirely to gemstones, blending empirical observation with earlier scholarly traditions. It offers detailed descriptions of major gems such as ruby, diamond, pearl, emerald, peridot, and crystal (quartz), and examines their physical and chemical properties, economic value, and geographic origins. It also provides guidance on distinguishing genuine stones from counterfeits. Drawing on classical sources like al-Kindī, al-Bīrūnī, and Naṣr al-Jawharī, the work reflects Ibn al-Akfānī’s wide-ranging scholarship and deep engagement with both Islamic and Greek scientific heritage. A 1939 edition published in Cairo and edited by Anastas al-Karmalī (a renowned Iraqi Christian Arab scholar). A digital version is available via Shamela Library (in Arabic). A scanned edition can be found on Archive.org. As of now, there is no known complete English translation of Kitāb Nukhbat al-Dhakha'ir fī Aḥwāl al-Jawāhir by Ibn al-Akfānī. However, the original Arabic manuscript is preserved and accessible through the Library of Congress. This manuscript, dating from the 18th century, is part of the Mansuri Collection and is available in digital format. It includes a brief poem on the title page and concise notes on various gemstones, particularly focusing on hyacinth, pearls, and other aquatic gems.​ Al-Machriq (Arabic: المشرق, meaning “The East”) was a highly influential Arabic-language scholarly journal published by the Jesuit Fathers of Saint Joseph University in Beirut, Lebanon. It was first issued in 1898 and became a key platform for intellectual, linguistic, and cultural exchange in the Arab world during the late 19th and early 20th centuries.