does any body know any good books for Gemology for beginners?

Answer 1

Identification of Gemstones Paperback by Michael O'Donoghue

Gemmology, Third Edition Paperback by Peter Read

Emeralds (Fred Ward Gem Books) Paperback by Fred Ward

Collecting and Classifying Coloured Diamonds: An Illustrated Study of the Aurora Collection Hardcover by Stephen C. Hofer

Firefly Guide to Gems (Firefly Pocket Reference) Paperback by Cally Oldershaw

Gemstones (Smithsonian Handbooks) Paperback by Cally Hall

Gemstone Buying Guide, Second Edition: How to Evaluate, Identify, Select & Care for Colored Gems Paperback by Renee Newman

Secrets of the Gem Trade: The Connoisseur's Guide to Precious Gemstones Paperback by Richard W. Wise

Gemstones of the World: Newly Revised & Expanded Third Edition Hardcover by Walter Schumann

Answer 2

A very good little book is "Practical Gemmology" by Robert Webster and published by N.A.G. Press Ltd. (Gemmology with 2 m's is the English spelling) It is set out in the same way as the study course for the English F.G.A. examination and has short tests at the end of each section. If you work your way through it you will be well on your way . Another good book is "Gemmologists' Compendium" by Robert Webster and revised by Allan Jobbins published by N.A.G. Press Ltd. This is a very compact collection of gemmological facts and figures, very handy to have on your lab. bench when working with unknown stones. There are, of course many other books on the market ranging from the super technical down to glossy 'coffee table' books full of wonderful pictures but with the two I have mentioned you will have a good sound start. I have been a gemmologist for close on 40 years and I can tell you that spending one hour examining stones for yourself is worth a week of reading. Have your 10x lens with you all the time and look at every stone you can get your hands on. Good luck with your hobby, it is fascinating and it could even end up taking you around the world a few times as it has done for me.