Project Gutenberg 2020-08-08 Public domain in the USA. 229 Desautels, Paul E. 1920 1991 65060068 Gems in the Smithsonian Institution Produced by Stephen Hutcheson and the Online Distributed Proofreading Team at https://www.pgdp.net "Gems in the Smithsonian Institution" by Paul E. Desautels is an informational work written in the mid-20th century. The publication provides an in-depth exploration of various gemstones and the National Gem Collection housed within the Smithsonian Institution. It likely covers the origins, characteristics, and significance of gems, appealing to both gem enthusiasts and casual readers interested in the beauty and science behind these precious stones. At the start of the book, Desautels provides an overview of the historical and cultural significance of gemstones, referencing their use in adornment since prehistoric times. He introduces the National Gem Collection, detailing its origins in 1884 and its development through donations that have amassed more than 1,000 items. The opening emphasizes the criteria that qualify minerals to be considered gems, such as beauty and durability, and sets the stage for a deeper examination of gemology, including practical and aesthetic aspects of gem collection and appreciation. (This is an automatically generated summary.) Reading ease score: 58.4 (10th to 12th grade). Somewhat difficult to read. en Precious stones Gems Smithsonian Institution NK Text Category: History - Other Category: Art 182300 2025-06-25T05:09:50.637487 text/html 151288 2024-10-18T05:03:23 text/html 6165043 2025-06-25T05:09:59.076524 application/epub+zip 6168294 2025-06-25T05:09:54.256479 application/epub+zip 116808 2025-06-25T05:09:52.417469 application/epub+zip 6218927 2025-06-25T05:10:01.768460 application/x-mobipocket-ebook 6194849 2025-06-25T05:09:57.100497 application/x-mobipocket-ebook 163332 2022-09-28T10:45:55.138779 application/x-mobipocket-ebook 138597 2025-06-25T05:09:49.745503 text/plain; charset=us-ascii 118826 2024-10-18T05:03:23 text/plain; charset=us-ascii 16498 2025-06-25T05:10:01.904422 application/rdf+xml 18839 2025-06-25T05:09:52.516463 image/jpeg 2536 2025-06-25T05:09:52.467499 image/jpeg 5680870 2025-06-25T05:09:50.835472 application/octet-stream application/zip Archives containing the RDF files for *all* our books can be downloaded at https://book.klll.cc/wiki/Gutenberg:Feeds#The_Complete_Project_Gutenberg_Catalog