Fersman, Aleksandr Evgenievich Kamni Rossii | The rare Precious and Colored Stones of Russia

Fersman, Aleksandr Evgenievich

Kamni Rossii [Precious and Colored Stones of Russia]. Petrograd: 1920 [i.e.1922]; Leningrad: 1925

2 volumes, 4to (262 x 188 mm). Volume I with 4 plates and numerous in-text illustrations, Volume II with tipped-in folding maps, in-text illustrations and figures; Volume browned with edges strengthened with tissue, both volumes with scattered chipping, creasing, and pencil marks. Original pale yellow and grey wrappers; rebacked,upper wrapper of Volume I lacking, soiling and creasing. Half morocco and cloth-covered board folding case.

First edition of a rare and significant work related to the gemstones of Russia.

"Volume l describes gemstones of all classes, stressing genetic types of deposits and giving specific data on sizes of crystals or masses of gem materials, qualities and features. Arrangement is alphabetical according to the Cyrillic alphabet ... Indexes include lists of species/varieties, persons mentioned in Russian and Latin, geographical index, and index of museums" (Sinkankas 1:328). Volume II discusses deposits of gemstones with a large section on the Ural emerald mines.

This copy is said to have once belonged to Fersman's pupil Shafianovskii.

REFERENCES

Sinkankas I:2041-2042

PROVENANCE

Henry Polissack (Swann, 20 March 2003, lot 190)