author

Paul E. Desautels

1920–1991

Known for bringing the world of gems and minerals to general readers, this Smithsonian curator wrote lively, accessible books that helped many people see natural treasures with fresh eyes. His work ranged from museum collections to jade and the broader mineral kingdom.

1 Audiobook

Gems in the Smithsonian Institution

Gems in the Smithsonian Institution

by Paul E. Desautels

About the author

Born in 1920 and deceased in 1991, Paul E. Desautels was a mineralogist, curator, and author closely associated with the Smithsonian. A Smithsonian-related award summary describes him as Curator of Gems and Minerals at the Smithsonian Institution until his retirement in 1972, and notes that he later worked with the notable Perkins and Ann Sams Collection in Houston.

Desautels also wrote a number of books for readers interested in rocks, gems, and museum collections. Confirmed titles include Gems in the Smithsonian Institution (1965), The Mineral Kingdom (1968), The Gem Kingdom (1970), Treasures in the Smithsonian: The Gem Collection (1979), and The Jade Kingdom (1986).

His writing appears to have focused on making mineralogy and gem lore approachable for a broad audience rather than only for specialists. Even from the book titles alone, you can see a consistent interest in combining scientific knowledge, visual wonder, and the appeal of great collections.