Amazon.com description: Product Description: Buying gems is a challenge, especially when they're unusual stones from faraway places. Exotic Gems, Volume 3 will show you with close-up photos how to make visual judgements about clarity, transparency, color, cut quality and brilliance. You'll also get tips on gem care and on detecting imitations and gem treatments. This is the third in a series of books that explores the history, properties, qualities and geographic sources of lesser-known gems. If you're interested in matrix opal, fire agate, blue chalcedony, Paraiba tourmaline, rubellite or other tourmalines, Exotic Gems can provide you with the indepth information you'll need to be a smart buyer.

Topics in this guide include:

Gem identification

geographic sources

Effects of lighting

Gem cleaning & care

quality evaluation

curious facts

gem treatments

Savvy buying