Book excerpt: Popular Gemmology constitutes a definitive guide on many aspects of gemmology, covering a wide range of natural and manufactured gems, their taxonomy, and the methods in which they are machined. The perfect book for both the amateur and professional, this text presents in an accessible manner for the general reader accurate knowledge of the world of gems, designed for the gem-lover, mineral collector, jeweller, and the lapidary. The sections of this book are divided according to the major style of cutting most appropriate for each gem, with chapters including: The Lure of Gems, Recognising Gems, Faceted Gems, Cabochen and Carved Gems, Gems of the Silica Group, Gems and Genealogy, Man-made Gems, and Luminescent Gems. This scarce book has been elected for modern republication because of its educational value, and is proudly republished here complete with its original illustrations and a new introduction to the subject.