This fascinating book contains a detailed account of everything a budding gemmologist would need to know about the subject, containing chapters on: The Characteristics of Gem-Stones, The Technology of Gem-Stones, Precious Stones, Semi-Precious Stones, Ornamental Stones, and Organic Products. A great book for anyone with an interest in the wonderful world of gemmology, Gem-Stones and Their Distinctive Characters is a must-have for both the professional and amateur alike, and ontains a wealth of information as well as a plethora of detailed photographs and diagrams. Dr. George Frederick Herbert Smith (1872-1953) was a British mineralogist who worked for the British Natural History Museum. He discovered the mineral paratacamite in 1906 and also pioneered the first efficient jeweller's refractometer. This book has been elected for modern republication due to its immense educational value, and is proudly republished here with a new introduction to the gemmology.