Collector's Guide to the Beryl Group - Paperback

by Robert J. Lauf (Author)

Beryl in its many color varieties is a favorite of both mineral collectors and gemologists. Superb examples are found at many locales worldwide, mainly in pegmatites and schists. Other members of the group are prized by species collectors and micromount enthusiasts. This book explains how beryl is formed and the unique conditions that create fine aquamarines and emeralds. After a brief introduction, the general treatment begins with an explanation of the chemistry and taxonomy of the group. A section on their formation and geochemistry explains the kinds of environments where beryls are formed. Detailed entries for each mineral provide locality information and full-color photos so that collectors can see what good specimens look like and which minerals one might expect to find in association with them. An extensive bibliography is provided for further study. Over 100 photographs of these beautiful minerals show each species in its geological context.

Author Biography

The author holds a Ph.D. in Metallurgical Engineering, and has conducted wide-ranging scientific research in fields ranging from nuclear fuel to microwave processing and biomineralization. He has been granted over forty U.S. Patents, and has written ten books on mineralogy for the collector.