About this ebook
An illustrated guide to gemstones and crystals, the myths and stories behind them, and the world's most celebrated jeweler
Discover the history of precious, semiprecious, and organic gemstones, their key properties, their symbolic and mythical powers, and their traditional uses.
Humans have been beguiled and fascinated by gemstones and crystals since prehistory and made use of them for everything from currency and ceremonial decoration to tokens of love or power. But why have some been considered more significant than others-rare or otherwise?
Learn all about the key properties of precious and semiprecious stones and discover the science behind some of their more unusual and mysterious properties, and the various ways in which they have taken on powerful symbolic meanings. How did the Vikings use iolite to help them steer their ships, for example? And why did the Ancient Greeks and Romans believe sardonyx pendants could protect them in battle?
Encounter some of the most famous or celebrated gemstones and jewels along the way-from a turquoise-studded pectoral worn during Aztec ceremonies, to the diamond necklace that helped bring about the French Revolution-in this glorious celebration of precious, semiprecious, and organic stones in all their beauty and variety.
Discover the history of precious, semiprecious, and organic gemstones, their key properties, their symbolic and mythical powers, and their traditional uses.
Humans have been beguiled and fascinated by gemstones and crystals since prehistory and made use of them for everything from currency and ceremonial decoration to tokens of love or power. But why have some been considered more significant than others-rare or otherwise?
Learn all about the key properties of precious and semiprecious stones and discover the science behind some of their more unusual and mysterious properties, and the various ways in which they have taken on powerful symbolic meanings. How did the Vikings use iolite to help them steer their ships, for example? And why did the Ancient Greeks and Romans believe sardonyx pendants could protect them in battle?
Encounter some of the most famous or celebrated gemstones and jewels along the way-from a turquoise-studded pectoral worn during Aztec ceremonies, to the diamond necklace that helped bring about the French Revolution-in this glorious celebration of precious, semiprecious, and organic stones in all their beauty and variety.
An illustrated guide to gemstones and crystals, the myths and stories behind them, and the world's most celebrated jeweler
Discover the history of precious, semiprecious, and organic gemstones, their key properties, their symbolic and mythical powers, and their traditional uses.
Humans have bee...
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2 reviews
RYAN BAKER
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January 21, 2026
for Jayamna Long
About the author
We believe in the power of discovery. That's why we create books for everyone that explore ideas and nurture curiosity about the world we live in.
From first words to the Big Bang, from the wonders of nature to city adventures, you will find expert knowledge, hours of fun and endless inspiration in the pages of our books.
https://www.dk.com/
From first words to the Big Bang, from the wonders of nature to city adventures, you will find expert knowledge, hours of fun and endless inspiration in the pages of our books.
https://www.dk.com/
We believe in the power of discovery. That's why we create books for everyone that explore ideas and nurture curiosity about the world we live in.
From first words to the Big Bang, from the wonders of nature to city adventures, you will find expert knowledge, hours of fun and endless inspiratio...
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