Texas Gemstones

"Texas Gemstones" by Elbert A. King, Jr. is a scientific text from the early 1960s that carefully examines the gemological features, cutting methods, and polishing procedures applied to various Texan gemstones. It underscores the scientific and functional dimensions of gemology, examining the features of gemstones, geological characteristics, and rarity as a major contributor to their intrinsic value. The book begins with a comprehensive introduction to the field of gemstones, where it carefully analyzes the criteria by which the loveliness, strength, and relative scarcity of a gem are defined. It shows how these qualities shape the appeal of minerals for the jeweler, and it looks deeply into characteristics like color, transparency, and the hardness of gemstones and shows how these features affect the polishing and cutting operations presented in the book. It invites readers with an eye for both the technical aspects of geology and the craft of jewelry production to discover the sparkling bounty of Texas.