This article was originally published by The-Vug.com in March, 2015
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John Sinkankas’s lifelong fascination with rocks and minerals was his avocation during his 25-year career with the U.S. Navy. Since his retirement in 1961 with the rank of Captain, his name pops up everywhere in the world of gemology and mineralogy. A noted author, bibliophile, collector, artist, lapidary, gem-cutter, and historian, he has written and compiled fifteen books. His world-renowned reference book collection of more than 13,000 items was acquired by the Gemological Institute of America in 1988 for their Richard T. Liddicoat Library.”Captain Sinkankas passed away at his home in 2002, but his outstanding library will continue to educate people for years to come. -Taken from “Gemstones of North America Vol. 3” There is a reason most mineral dealers and collectors will immediately recommend these books! They are all extremely well written and are perfect for both the novice and the professional. We highly recommend every work that has been written by this man for anyone interested in Minerals. The beginner should ALWAYS start with a copy of “Mineralogy”, available for sale immediately below. |
 Captain John Sinkankas and his Wife, Marjory, standing in front of their San Diego home, February 1988. Photo by Vandall King |
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Mineralogy (for Amatures)by John SinkankasHands down, the best book for everyone interested in the subject of minerals, crystals and gems. Lays out the basics of understand for the science and the physical crystals and locality information. |
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Gemstone and Mineral Databookby John SinkankasAmazing in depth answerbook to so many questions any mineral collector or lapidarist can come across! You NEED a copy of this book! |
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Gemstones of North America Vol 1.by John SinkankasStunningly jam packed with information. A great book! First volume has several color plates, second volume does not. |
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Gemstones of North America Vol 2by John SinkankasGreat text, tons of information, following Vol 1, a logical add-on. |
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Gemstones of North America Vol 3by John Sinkankas30 years after the original two volumes, this book gives a complete update to the new gems and productions around North America. A great book, all three are must haves! |
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Prospecting (Field collecting) for gemstones and mineralsby John SinkankasThis book, in several chapters, goes over all of the basics of mineral collecting, tools, maps, prospecting, rock types, display. Essentially, it is the perfect FAQ for anyone who wants to go collect minerals. |
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Emerald and other Berylsby John SinkankasThis is a thick book that covers emeralds and beryls, in both geologic terms and in fine appreciation of them and their history. Beautiful watercolor images. |
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Berylby John Sinkankas and Peter G. Read212 pages of Beryl information,a revised edition of the previous work. |
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Gemology: An Annotated bibliographyby John SinkankasAmazing work, indexing works as far back as 1500 to 1985, one of the authors favorite and most ambitious works. This along with access to the books refrenced would lead to a complete guide to man’s understanding of minerals. |
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GemCutting: A Lapidary’s Manualby John SinkankasOne of Sinkanka’s passions was cutting stones, with his gemstone data book, it is sure that the man knew his facts, here he shares his techniques. |
Books by Captain John Sinkankas