New edition with added chapters and sections. Provides all the information necessary for complete analysis and evaluation of any opal from a true gem. Properly identify opals from all over the world and what characteristics affect value. Breathtaking color photos throughout.

This book is the latest in the popular Fred Ward Gem Book Series. The full-color photographs give the buyer and enthusiast all the information needed to understand the various types of opals and the ability to buy them wisely.

Proven step-by-step approach to cutting opal. Easy-to-use guide that takes the beginner through the first stone to advanced cutting techniques, including doublet and triplet making.

This book contains classic material dating back to the 1900s and before. The content has been carefully selected for its interest and relevance to a modern audience. Carefully selecting the best articles from our collection we have compiled a series of historical and informative publications on the subjects of gemology and crystallography. Each publication has been professionally curated and includes all details on the original source material. This particular instalment, "Opal Gemstones" contains information on their properties, origins, structure and much more. Intended to illustrate the main features of opal it is a comprehensive guide for anyone wishing to obtain a general knowledge of the subject and to understand the field in its historical context. We are republishing these classic works in affordable, high quality, modern editions, using the original text and artwork.

A comprehensive account of this gem stone by a professional mineralogist, lapidary and dealer in opals.