Beginning with chrysoberyl, gemmologists will be familiar with the technical data provided, which is based on that found in such respected sources as those of Robert Webster and John Koivula. We learn how to evaluate the gem and are guided about pricing.

   Interestingly, the chatoyant effect in chrysoberyl can be caused by parallel striations from an original crystal face, as well as from fibres within it. The quality of the ‘eye’ is discussed along with excellent photographs depicting the ‘winking’ effect. Newman offers a warning – the perfect cat’s-eye is rare.

   The detailed chapter on alexandrite includes excellent information on detecting synthetics and imitations. Alexandrite even has its own classification system to describe the quality of the colour change. If alexandrite is your passion, be prepared to pay.

   Everything you wanted to know about dinosaur gembone is included in chapter five. Who would have known that dinosaur poop could be a gem? It is scientifically named ‘coprolite’ and its inclusions are important like those of amber. Be sure to look out for the dinosaur ‘chocolates.’

   Treatment methods and care are discussed at length. The metaphysical properties of gembone may also be an answer to aging.

   The sillimanite group including andalusite, kyanite and sillimanite are covered in chapters six to eight.

   Chapter nine on common opal is a real eye opener, Newman deftly capturing the beauty found in an assortment of colours including Peruvian pink, Andean blue, green, yellow and even lime through excellent and abundant photographs. Interesting issues about classification and the term ‘fire’ are discussed in the chapter on fire opal. Opal treatments are anzalysed in depth.

   The remainder of the book is devoted to the complex group of garnets about which gemmologists and mineralogists disagree when defining species and varieties. Gemmologists will find the technical information in this section most valuable. In the fascinating pages of photographs, we are shown how a master cutter cuts a garnet. The ‘horsetail’ inclusions in demantoid garnet s unlike inclusions in most other garnets are desirable. We are also directed to publications offering more detailed information.

   Imparting a wealth of information on gemstone evaluation, as usual, with tips on detecting imitations, synthetics and gem treatments, Newman always entertains with interesting anecdotes of history, geographic sources and metaphysical lore of gems. Be ready to be informed and entertained. Didn’t know what the ‘alexandrite effect’ was or what comprises the interesting crew digging up Arizona garnets? You will now.

The Australian Gemmologist, reviewed by Carol Resnick 

   Renee Newman never disappoints us, does she? She has written another outstanding book about gemstones that we can learn from, teach from, and recommend to our clients.

   [Exotic Gems, Volume 2] is no ordinary gemstone book. This book is about unusual, uncommon gems. Renee refers to them as “Exotic.” At the very beginning of the book, she even gives several definitions of the meaning of the word “exotic.” None of these definitions are conclusive. But she does demonstrate that the word has many connotations.

   I have the feeling that there have been many discussions about the use of the word “Exotic” as a title for a series of books on these uncommon gemstones. The word may be suitable for a discussion on alexandrite, which is included in this book. But Renee also discusses coprolite, which is the name given to fossilized animal droppings. The photos of coprolite seem neither pretty nor exotic. But “Exotic Gems” is far more marketable than “Unusual Gems.” So we all need to give her a pass on this one.

   In addition to alexandrite and coprolite, Renee also writes in detail about cat’s eye chrysoberyl, agatized dinosaur bone, andalusite, chiastolite, kyanite, sillimanite, common opal, fire opal, and the many stones in the garnet group.

   For each stone, she gives their geographic locations, identifying characteristics, and each stone’s value factors. Sometimes the stone’s treatments, imitations and care are included. With demantoid garnet, Renee briefly discusses the use of the stone in jewelry over time. All of the text is easy to understand and organized. She includes graphs, maps, lists, and beautiful photographs that make the book exciting and beautiful.

   One of the best parts of the book is a photographic story showing how a master cutter cuts a garnet. The story takes us from examination of the rough, to the final polish of the table facet. Interestingly, this set of photos and narrative was provided to Renee by Clay Zava, a Spectrum award winning gemstone cutter several times over, and a speaker to us at our last conference.

   The most uncommon thing in the book is the inclusion of the stones’ metaphysical effects. One sentence is completely factual and the next is a discussion of unblocking creativity. Renee presents this information with the same forthright, simple language as when she is presenting the stone’s price per carat. It leaves me wondering if the book is trying a little too hard to be all things to all people. Nevertheless, I read these sections with interest and found myself wanting to buy each stone because of the properties it would give me. Obviously, this is good information for associates that sell jewelry.

   I believe that Renee wrote this book for a wide range of people in our jewelry trade, as well as the part of the public that likes to educate itself before making gemstone purchases. But I do think that this book will serve appraisers well. For example, this book includes a section on uvarovite, where it comes from, and its value factors. Where else will you find that? This series of books is going to be just the right addition to my library and probably yours as well. I highly recommend it.

The Jewelry Appraiser, reviewed by Kim Piracci  

Geographic Sources of Chrysoberyl

Metaphysical Properties of Chrysoberyl

Identifying Characteristics of Chrysoberyl

Evaluation of Single-Color Chrysoberyl & Pricing Ranges

Caring for Chrysoberyl

Metaphysical Properties of Cat’s-eye

Other Stones that Resemble Cat’s-eye Chrysoberyl

Evaluation of Cat’s-eye Chrysoberyl & Pricing Ranges

Identification of Alexandrite

Metaphysical Properties of Alexandrite

Evaluation of Alexandrite and Pricing Ranges

Coprolite (Fossilized Animal Excrement)

Where are Gembone & Coprolite Found?

Evaluation of Gembone & Pricing Ranges

Evaluation of Coprolite and Pricing Ranges

Dinosaur Gembone Imitations and Assembled Stones

Caring for Dinosaur Gembone and Coprolite

Metaphysical Properties of Dinosaur Bone

Identifying Characteristics of Andalusite

Metaphysical Properties of Andalusite & Chiastolite

Evaluation of Andalusite & Pricing Ranges

Caring for Andalusite

Metaphysical Properties of Kyanite

Identifying Characteristics of Kyanite

Evaluation of Kyanite and Pricing Ranges

Caring for Kyanite

Identifying Characteristics of Sillimanite

Evaluation of Sillimanite & Pricing Ranges

Caring for Sillimanite

Green opal

Pink opal

Blue opal

Yellow opal

Hyalite

Dendritic opal (moss opal)

Wood opal (opalized wood)

Cat’s-eye opal

Banded opal (includes onyx opal and agate opal)

Landscape opal, picture opal

Fluorite opal, opalized fluorite, Tiffany stone, bertrandite

Opal Treatments and Assembled Stones

Identifying Traits of Natural, Synthetic & Imitation Opal

Metaphysical Properties of Fire Opal

Pricing & Evaluation of Fire Opal

Caring for Opal

Naming Gem Garnets

Identifying Garnets

How a Master Cutter Cuts a Garnet

A Word from A Master Cutter about Garnet

Uvarovite

Caring for Garnets

Pricing and Evaluation of Demantoid

Melanite

Topazolite

Rainbow Garnet

Metaphysical Properties of Andradites

Almandine

Rhodolite and Grape Garnet

Pyralspite

Pricing and Evaluation of Red Garnets

Metaphysical Properties of Red Garnets

Tsavorite

Mint Garnet

Hessonite or Grossular

Green Grossular or Hydrogrossular

Pink Hydrogrossular and Grossular

Leuco Garnet

Mali Garnet

Metaphysical Properties of Grossular