This book explains the structural relationships among di- and ringsilicate minerals, known for their hardness and brilliant colors, and the geological conditions that create the beautiful crystals prized by collectors. The minerals are arranged systematically to emphasize how they fit into structural groups, and generously illustrated with nearly 600 structure diagrams, colour photos, and drawings. An extensive bibliography includes a broad range of easily accessible references ranging from the foundational literature and original species descriptions to reports on current scientific research. AUTHOR: The author holds a PhD in metallurgical engineering, and has conducted wide-ranging scientific research in fields ranging from nuclear fuel to microwave processing and biomineralisation. He has been granted over forty US patents and has written fourteen books on mineralogy for the collector. SELLING POINTS: . Comprehensive treatment of di- and ring silicate minerals-their chemistry, structure, classification, properties, and occurrences . Detailed entries for accepted species, color photos, and structure diagrams . Includes many familiar coloured gems and faceted stones shown in brilliant color 581 colour images