Newman has written eight previous books on the more common gems, as well as gemstones in general and jewelry. Here she begins a series of guides to some gems that are from less populated parts of the world, or that display some unusual quality. She begins with chapters on exotic gems as a group, price factors, gem treatments, and terminology. Then she focuses on each gem in detail. Some of the material in the chapter on tanzanite is reprinted from her Ruby and Sapphire Buying Guide, which is now out of print. She identifies zultanite as color-change diaspore. Sunstone and moonstone she includes in the feldspar group, and in which she also presents a chapter on other feldspars. A final chapter offers advice on choosing an appraiser. Stupendous color photographs illustrate stones, jewelry, and mining operations and locales. Annotation ©2010 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)
