Amazon Review
Color Encyclopedia: 
Second Edition
September 7, 2014

"I started a gemology class that had no text book in hand, all materials were online. I wanted a book to use as a reference and I got this one. It has great photos and all the info you need on the gem on each page. I found out later that some of my course material is based on information in this book. It is not written for the scientist, it is worded for everyone and will give you the definition of the technical word if used. This will be a classic in gemology."

Amazon Review
Color Encyclopedia: 
Second Edition
April 13, 2015

"It is a great work. Wonderful reference book for a serious mineralogist/gemologist. Every natural gemstone ( known at the time of writing this book) has been documented with its properties.
An invaluable addition to my library."

Amazon Review
Gems and Jewelry: 
Second Edition
January 22, 2000

"There are an awful lot of fantasy writers who would benefit in reading, if not this book, then one very like it. But that's not a recommendation.
I had the first edition, lost it, discovered the 2nd edition, was happy. Even if you're not a gem-shopper (I'm not), the book's worth it for the zillions of full-color photographs alone: you can *see* what all these gemstones look like. Arem discusses carats vs. karats, gem-cutting, mining, trivia and lore on various gemstones...a lot. There are other books on the same subject, of course, but this one's a decent survey."

Amazon Review
Gems and Jewelry: 
Second Edition
March 31, 2000

"I find this book to be very useful and informative. It gives a thorough history of the various types of gems and jewels in the world, focusing on the less obscure types. It's crammed with lovely photos, and is a convenient size to drop into your bag when cruising through antique stores or attending auctions. It's not an encyclopedia, too small for that, but has a definite use and fills the bill for the average consumer.

Amazon Review
Gems and Jewelry: 
Second Edition
June 2, 2003

"Another must have book. This book gives great descriptions and pictures of the stones. Very helpful for identifying what you are looking at to buy.

Amazon Review
Gems and Jewelry: 
Second Edition
April 8, 2014

"It was just what we were looking for. Had one we bought over 30 years ago and it was getting very worn. So we are very happy to have a new one."

Amazon Review
Gems and Jewelry: 
Second Edition
March 9, 2015

"This is one of the first books I read years ago in an effort to learn about gems. When I couldn't find it, I had to get another one. It's very informative and easy to read for those entering the world of gemstones.

Amazon Review
Rocks and Minerals: 
Second Edition
June 15, 2016

"I picked up a copy on a recommendation from a physics professor for leisure reading. As a layperson, I know very little about the composition and actions of the earth underneath me. Which, when you think about it, is a bit shameful. I spend more time wondering about the mechanisms of stellar phenomena.

It's helpful to have a basic understanding of chemistry and physics, because without that some of the book could be confusing. This covers, briefly, how things work at the atomic level and then starts scaling upwards into the amalgams of elements that we know as minerals, gems and the like. The photographs are rich and beautiful, showing the transition from the world below our perception into strange and magnificent shapes that capture our imagination.

This book is more of a stepping stone than an end unto itself. The author only briefly touches on geophysical phenomena around the world and how certain species of rocks are found in certain places. A fine stepping stone it is, however. I look forward to reading more about geology and mineralogy and reproaching inorganic chemistry with a new eye after this fresh perspective (for me, anyway).

Lapidary Journal, 1992

"This beautiful printing of Joel Arem's popular Rocks and Minerals is a real bargain for anyone looking for a color guide to rocks and minerals. The pocket size and the 200 color pictures make it a handy reference for field collectors. It is well organized and written in a style that beginners will find interesting and understandable.

The book begins with basics, such as how to study rocks and minerals, crystal systems, and the properties of minerals. Following the chapter on classification there are brief descriptions of popular gems, both inorganic and organic. The chapter on rocks is exceptionally well illustrated with colorful diagrams showing igneous formations, batholiths, oil traps and other geological occurrences, as well as clear pictures of many rock types. Information on moon rocks is included.

There is also a table of chemical elements plus a useful table of minerals packed with information giving formula, luster, color, streak, crystal system, hardness, specific gravity, and refractive index for 240 minerals.

Arem, a mineralogist, photographer, author, and lecturer is also author of Color Encyclopedia of Gemstones. Rocks and Minerals is especially recommended to teachers of earth science and to students of mineralogy, petrology, and lapidary."