John Mastin

John Mastin was a 19th-century British chemist and mineralogist who specialized in the study of gemstones [2].

Here's what we know about him:

• Known for: His most famous work is the book "The Chemistry, Properties, and Tests of Precious Stones" [2]. This book is considered a classic text in the field of gemology [2].
• The Book: The book covers the science behind gemstones, including their chemical composition, physical properties, and methods for identifying real gemstones from fakes [2, 3]. Mastin's writing style is described as clear and accessible, making the complex topic understandable even for non-scientists [3].
• Impact: Mastin's book became a standard reference for gemologists, jewelers, and anyone interested in gemstones [2]. It's likely he made other contributions to the field of gemology or even metallurgy, but "The Chemistry, Properties, and Tests of Precious Stones" is the work he's most remembered for [2].