Read first few chapters as writing reference, did not need to go in further. Useful for that purpose, obviously a little dated in terms of content now.

If I never have to read Gem Ident books again, it'll be too soon.

This book covers a lot of interesting tools used in gem identification but not all are used by industry professionals and can be used by amateurs.

There are few "secret" or tidbits in the book. Mainly it deals with how to test and use your equipment. The basic set is the 10x loupe the Chelsea filter and a 60x microscope. Of course without specimens you go no where so they recommend gem and mineral shows. I doubt I would have bought it, even with my 5.00 kindle credit, knowing this.

I found this book extremely helpful! It discusses the use of tools etc. with down-to-earth language and gets right to the point. A definite must-read for anyone studying gemology or just wanting to know the basics of gem identification.

prefect book gemstone Gem Identification Made Easy, Third Edition: A Hands-On Guide to More Confident Buying & Selling by Antoinette L . Matlins and Antonio C. Bonanno (Jul 2003)

teaches how to used tools also for those who have not attended school to do so,

Has lots of great technical info