Australian And New Zealand Gemstones

Gardening & Environment Education & Reference Science & Nature

Bill Myatt’s 1972 hardback Australian and New Zealand Gemstones is the go-to field companion for anyone hunting sapphires in Queensland, sunstones in Victoria or nephrite jade along New Zealand’s West Coast. Its 511 illustrated pages map the two countries’ gem provinces, mining history and practical fossicking techniques in one authoritative volume.

This vintage Paul Hamlyn edition arrives protected by a clear plastic-wrapped dust jacket, preserving the vivid colour plates inside. The book is personally inscribed on the front endpaper—an extra touch for gift-giving or collector pride—while the binding remains tight and every page corner crisp and un-dog-eared.

Light external spotting on the text-block and occasional internal foxing are common for a 1970s earth-science reference, yet the interior is otherwise clean and readable. From a smoke-free home, it’s ready to accompany rock-hounds, lapidary hobbyists or geography buffs on their next adventure.

Add this classic Australian and New Zealand gemstones guide to your shelf and turn every beach or bush walk into a potential treasure hunt.