One of the worlds fabulous collections of minerals and gems resides at the American Museum of Natural History in New York City, and this jewel of a book includes more than 300 of the Museums spectacular specimens. This book is also a guide to minerals and gems, explaining what they are and the qualities that make them outstanding or unique.

George E. Harlow is curator of Gems and Minerals and Joseph J. Peters senior scientific assistant at the American Museum of Natural History.