George Frederick Herbert Smith

George Frederick Herbert Smith was a British mineralogist and gem expert who worked at the British Museum (Natural History). He is especially remembered for discovering the mineral paratacamite and for developing a jeweller’s refractometer, a tool that made it much easier to identify gemstones.

He also wrote influential books on gems and minerals, including Gem-Stones and Their Distinctive Characters, which helped explain the subject to both specialists and interested general readers. His work connected careful scientific observation with the practical needs of gem testing and classification.

Smith’s reputation lasted well beyond his lifetime: minerals including smithite and herbertsmithite were named in his honor. He is a strong example of an author whose scientific writing grew directly out of hands-on research, museum work, and a lifelong interest in minerals.