GEMS & MINES OF MOGOK

GEMS & MINES OF MOGOK (Burma) by Ted Themelis

Hardcover, 8.5″x11″ 352 full color pp
Over 1600 color photos and illustrations
Pub. Date: Jan. 2008
Price: US$100+shipping

Inquiries:
ted@tedthemelis.com

Gems & Mines of Mogok is an invaluable companion and continuation of the same author’s classic “Mogok-Valley of Rubies & Sapphires.” In this volume, Ted Themelis takes you on a journey to Mogok -possibly the most remarkable geological and gem sites in the world and explores its mines and riches. Gems & Mines of Mogôk is the most authoritative and comprehensive, up-to-date, pioneering work published in the gem mining district of Mogôk in Upper Myanmar (Burma). This volume brings home a wealth of facts about Mogôk, a remarkable geological area, which produces the best rubies, fine-quality sapphires and peridots among other gems. This book provides the coverage and detail needed for the serious geologist, gemologist, researcher, student, gem trader, jeweler, and anyone who has a keen interest in studying the gems and mines of Mogôk. This is the only complete book written exclusively on the subject.

Features Gems & Mines of Mogôk details the gem mining methods practiced in Mogôk since the late 1800s, the licensing regulations, and gem production. It illustrates the diverse cornucopia of gemstone wealth found beneath the soggy soils or embedded in the marbles of Mogôk. Every time you turn the page, you strike a bonus -the detailed description of a particular mining site and the gems it produces, illustrated with topographic maps, sketches, and photographs.

For the geologist, this book offers facts about the diverse geology of Mogôk, accompanied by previously unpublished photographs of geological specimens collected by the author, tectonic schemes, geological models, satellite images, topographic and geological maps, providing a new account of the regional geology, which every library should possess.
For the gemologist, this long-awaited book describes the diversity and abundance of the gemstone wealth of Mogôk and the recent new gems recovered, shedding more light onto the gemological literature. This book contributes invaluable reference data for the researcher, gem miner, or gem trader who needs detailed information on gem mining and gem localities in Mogôk. Like its inseparable companion book, Mogôk - Valley of Rubies & Sapphires by the same author, it is filled with excellent color illustrations, making this book an instant classic.

Reviews: Gems & Mines of Mogok (Burma)

“Excellent! Many thanks. Yes indeed your book was invaluable; especially all the detailed mine sites. Photos and text all wonderful too, a terrific book!” -Prof. Mike Searle, Dept. Earth Sciences, Oxford University, England

“During my trip to Myanmar in May 2009, I realized how good and how important is your book Gems & Mines of Mogok . I found full references and information about all the gems, minerals, and rock samples I had the chance of looking at. Every detail was perfectly documented, it gave me an extraordinary help not only in my scientific work, but also in the business. I believe your book really represents a milestone in the history of gemology, not only concerning Myannar, but also in the knowledge of gemstones origin. I really thank you for your work!” -F. Pezzotta Ph.D., Curator Mineralogy Dep., Museo di Storia Naturale, Milan, Italy (June 2009)

“I read your book on Mogok and I want to congratulateyou for the hard work. Because it was not easy to synthetize all these data. The illustration in color prints is perfect and the text is of high interest for a zoneof high interest but closed to foreigners. I am sure that your book will be cited for ever as for the book published by Iyer (1953). Congratulations.” -Dr. G. Giuliani, IRD et CRPG/CNRS, Centre de Recherches Pétrographiques et Géochimiques, Nancy, France (April 15, 2008)

“Gems and mines of Mogok” steps you into a marvelous and secret world of corundum where new scientific adventures awaits for the future. A corundum geological reserve for geologists and mineralogists, described to be part of our Humanity heritage. A compilation, resulting of years of experience and research on Burma ‘s “Mogok Stone Track” and Iyer works that open the eyes now for gemologists and geologists. The diagram is ready going from the microscopic to the panoramic views for understanding why sapphires, rubies and other gemstones are found together in a marble but with different stories and separate parental fluids. A key region for understanding how corundum forms in magmatic and metamorphic environments. Everything is ready now to start a high research on the basis of Ted Themelis book. I shall keep your book in a prominent place in my library with the magnificent illustrations, the informative writing on the geology, gemmology and historical exploitation of these mines that is of high interest for professional as well as for the layman. Congratulations.” -Dr. G.Giuliani, IRD et CRPG/CNRS, Centre de Recherches Pétrographiques et Géochimiques, Nancy , France (Oct.2008)

“There is far more in this book than the title would suggest and it is a photographic feast. It covers the history of the area, its geological evolution, mineralogy and crystallography; it provides a cornucopia of fine photographs of mines, minerals and gems, and local life, almost all taken by the author. He describes himself as a non-trained geologist‘, but he has enjoyed the co-operation of Burmese university geologists and several eminent geologist/gemmologists in the field during his nine visits between 1996 and 2004. He is an internationally recognized expert on the heat treatment of gemstones. This book is probably the most comprehensive account of the Mogôk Stone Tract so far produced and is claimed to be correct to 2007. This is a volume for gemmologists, geologists, lapidaries, jewellers and many others with an interest in the Burmese scene. The book is expensive, but worth the money for the photographic pleasure and detailed accounts of the mines.” -E.A.Jobbins, The Journal of Gemmoloy 2010

“Have you ever wondered what gem treasures lie along the little explored mountain belt separating Thailand from India that makes up the mysterious country of Myanmar (Burma)? The mountain ranges of Myanmar are part of the massive metamorphic fold belt that wraps around the head of the Indian sub-continent as a result of its collision with Asia. It is a powerful ongoing collision that is causing some of the most vigorous tectonic uplift and mountain building on the planet today.Ted Themelis’ superbly-presented massive 352 page volume is a must-read for anyone planning to do any geological or gemmological research in this region of the world, and especially within the forbidden treasure chest that is the Mogok gemland. At the same time, the book remains a coffee-table styled publication that would be of general interest to anyone. The book explores though a logical series of five chapters; the geology of Mogok; the genesis of ruby, spinel, sapphire and peridot; the gem mines of Mogok, both past and present; and an alphabetical compendium of Mogok gem profiles. Ted has spared neither effort nor expense in compiling some of the best gem and specimen photography which, together with abundant maps, diagrams, historicalphotographs and charts, illustrate every page of this superb volume.Amongst the abundant geological detail, the book’s graphic photography also delves deeply into the culture and the lifestylesof the people living in the Mogok region, in particular theminers, who work under the most difficult conditions, together with Myanmar’s other faceless poor. The book provides an historical insight into why this region is so underdeveloped and poor.Ted’s descriptions and photography bring to life a little knownpart of the world that is either off limits or inaccessible to most of the world’s population. “-Dr. Robert R. Coenraads, Consultant Geologist (Australia)

“…Ted Themelis probably knows more about the mines of Mogok than anyone on the planet. It is obvious the kind of mind he has when you read his books. To write a book like this you need to be ultra-passionateor a little obsessive compulsive. Maybe both. Whatever the reason, we readers benefit with almost overwhelming information impossible to obtain anywhere else…. The photographs, satellite images, geological models, illustrations, geologic/topographic maps and drawings in this book are more than worth the price of the book. It is obvious this book is a labor of love and took the author seven years to complete. Although sometimes mired in technicaldetail, you can simply choose to read what you want. Geologists and gemologists will devour the publication. Collectors or owners of Mogok material will have a new found respect for the material. If you have a gemological library, this should be your next purchase.” -Robert Genis, Gemstone Forecaster, USA (July 2008)

“I have safely got your book and I am very happy to have ordered it. It is an excellent and very detailed description of this important mine-site and the layout is very good, too. The language is most readable, no complicated explanations, many very descriptive micro-and other photos. The maps are very informative. Most of them I have never seen before. The descriptions of the different mines with their specific gemstones is absolutely new for gemologists who have never had the chance to visit Mogok, nor may these descriptions be found by keen gemmologist in former books in libraries of the world. It will take time to digest what you and your son have worked out and written in such a masterly way not only for me, but also for all gemmologists. My congratulation, dear Ted, thisbook is a masterpiece of you. Congratulation also to your son who did support you superbly. Now, I wish both of you some days of rest. And I am sure, this volume will be bought by all serious gemmologists and libraries of the world. Three cheers for you!!!” -Dr. J. Ponahlo, Univ. of Vienna , Austria (Febr.2008)

“Your comprehensive book “Gems & Mines of Mogok” is a unique book about a gem mine, covering all aspects, in particular when it includes the king of the gems, the Burmese ruby. I liked very much your geological part and the genesis of Mogok gems. I am sure that this book is an achievement of a dream by you, and the trade in general benefit from your knowledge.” -Israel (Eli) Eliezri, Tel-Aviv , Israel , (Febr.2008)

“Both [Mogok] books are excellent. My family and myself were always involved with business of rubies and sapphires from Mogok. Never had an idea of so many other beautiful and important colored stones from Mogok as well. It’s really an eye opener to me. The details and the compilation of all the stones in the back chapters of the book is very good. Going through both the volumes I can see and feel the hard work you have put into writing and publishing the books. It’s a great service to the gemstone industry and one of the best reading material on Mogok. Because of my personal bonding and attachment to Mogok I like both the books a lot and I offer you my personal compliments on your accomplishment.” -Jayesh Patel, AIGS Bangkok (July 2008)

“I have read those 2 books I have purchased from you concerning MOGOK. Those are very comprehensive, helpful and very well done. They illustrate very well Mogok and all type of mining. Regrettablywe cannot go to Mogok to witness all the stunning information noted in your books. Congratulation and wishes that a similar type of book concerning Muzo and Emerald was done such as yours” -P.Roux , Monaco (Oct. 2008)

.. and many more excellent reviews by world’s authorities ***** All five star ratings ***** Check it www. Amazon.com