The book is devoted to precious and ornamental stones: their classification is given, physical and optical properties, methods of cutting, grinding, carving and engraving are described. Particular attention is paid to the story of the history of gem mining in the Urals and Siberia, the development of jewelry in Russia. Such popular ornamental stones as jade, lapis lazuli, turquoise, amber, mother of pearl, rock crystal, jasper are described in detail.