“Gemstones of Ancient Egypt” by Derek Yoost

The Egyptian civilization lasted for approximately 3000 years. Its culture had a profound effect on the Western World through advances in writing, agriculture, and trade. At its height, ancient Egypt was a hub of trading between all corners of the known world. Gems and minerals played a significant role in Egyptian culture, including religion, jewelry, cosmetics, and medicine. Above all, the Egyptians valued gold, but there were other minerals that the Egyptians used to craft their wares, ornaments, and jewelry. Lapis lazuli, turquoise, amethyst, garnet, and chalcedony are just some of the gems valued for their beauty. Derek Yoost explores where these minerals were mined, how they were traded, and what utility they had for the ancient Egyptians.

Related: "Close-up Look at the Main Gemstones of Ancient Egypt – Show and Tell” with Derek Yoost at    • “Close-up Look at Gemstones of Ancien...   .

Derek Yoost is a well-known presenter for mineralogical clubs in New Jersey and New York. Derek is a member of the Advisory Council of the Sterling Hill Mining Museum. Two of Derek’s main areas of interest are fossils and meteorites, but his expertise is much broader, as evidenced by his presentation to our club.

Derek's gave this program at the May 5, 2021 meeting of the Mineralogical Society of the District of Columbia.

Image: Pectoral of Princess Sithathoryunet of gold, inlaid with turquoise, lapis lazuli, carnelian, garnet from Egypt, Twelfth Dynasty, reign of Senwosret II (c. 1887–1878 B.C.) Source of photo: The Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York