The German mineralogist Alfred Eppler (1867 - 1923) wrote this work on gemstones and precious stones at the request of the German Werkbund as a commercial material science. The result is a comprehensive book that describes the properties and identification features (crystal forms, cleavage, hardness, specific gravity). Eppler extensively addresses counterfeits and imitations. He explains various examination methods, describes the different types of gemstones and precious stones, their deposits and extraction, as well as the trade in rough stones and the jewelry industry. In the appendix, readers will find colored illustrations of the various types of gemstones and precious stones. The author has used a writing style that is also easily readable for interested laypersons.