This Third Edition features new maps charting the collapse of Communism in Eastern Europe, the changing names of Russian cities, the emerging Asian republics, and individuals and institutions of the new Russia.

    It is not a textbook of mineralogy and, so far as possible, avoids technical terminology. However, it does contain information of general value on the physical and optical characteristics of minerals, as well as facts concerning history, lore, and fashioning of many of the gems.