Gems & Crystals - Sofianides & Harlow

Anna S. Sofianides and George E. Harlow - Gems & Crystals 

An illustradet guide to the history, lore and properties of gems & minerals

Kieli - englanti / englanninkielinen

Kovakantinen, 208 sivuinen siistikuntoinen kirja - kansipapereissa hieman säilytyksen jälkeä.

Parkgate Books Ltd - London - 1997

Kirjan koko n. 24 x 31,5 cm - paino n. 1.26 kg

Takakannen teksti:

Featuring 150 stunning full-colour photographs of 400 different gems and crystals from the world famous spectacular collection of the American Museum of Natural History, Gems & Crystals represents a  facinating and comprehensive treatment of more than 140 varieties of gems and mirerals - includin the history, lore, properties, and sources for each species.

The Burmese believed that a ruby would bestow invulnerability upon the owner, but only if it were actually inserted into the owner´s flesh. In this sixteenth century lapidary, Camilus Leonardus reported that ruby would preserve ones´s health, remove evil thoughts, control amorous desires, dissipate pestential vapors and reconcile desputes. Accordin to legend, by observing the darkening of her ruby, Catherine of Aragon foretold her own downfall as the wife of Henry VIII.

Believing that a colourless sapphire was an unripe ruby, the ancient Sinhalese, Hindus ans Burmese thought that burying such a stone would permit it to mature into a beautiful ruby. In fact, ruby and sapphire are related, being the two gem varieties of the mineral corundum. One "ripe" corundum that is legendary for its size, colour, and fine star is the 100 carat DeLong Star Ruby.

Hakusanat: geologia mineraalit jalokivi jalokivet kristalli kristallit