corundum, ruby, sapphire, history.1, chemistry.2, properties.3, geology.11, inclusions.5, sources.12, synthetic corundum.7, treatments.6, assembled stones.8, color.4, fashioning.9, quality.10, introduction.0, bibliography, books on books, jade, jadeite, fei cui, nephrite, gems

It is difficult to overstate the importance of this two-volume work, which was the product not just of John’s writing career, but also of his home business, Peri Lithon, which he operated for decades with his wife, Marge. No authors ever worked harder on a single work. Over 6,000 entries, virtually all of which are annotated. There is a limited edition in fake leather with a siipcase. My pick for the greatest gem book of all time.