Product Description

The Dorling Kindersley Handbook of Rocks and Minerals is packed with 600 full-colour photographs of more than 500 specimens. Authoritative text clear photographs and a systematic approach help you to cut through the complicated identification process and recognize a specimen easily. Photo-Encyclopedic Approach Each entry combines a precise description with annotated photographs to highlight the rock or mineral's chief characteristics and distinguishing features. Accompanying colour-coded bands provide clear at-a-glance facts for quick reference. In addition each mineral entry features an illustration showing the crystal system to which the mineral belongs. Identification Made Easy Designed for beginners and experienced collectors alike the Dorling Kindersley Handbook of Rocks and Minerals explains what rocks or minerals are how they are classified and how to start a collection. To help in the initial stages of rock identification a clear visual key illustrates the differences between igneous metamorphic and sedimentary rocks then guides the reader to the correct rock entry. A concise glossary provides instant understanding of technical and scientific terms.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #25268 in Books
• Published on: 2000-08-31
• Original language: English
• Binding: Turtleback
• 256 pages

Customer Reviews

Great for Identifying Rocks and Minerals!
When I took Geology in college, I loved the course. I only had one problem. It was very difficult for me to identify rocks and minerals in the field. If I had had this pocket field guide, the course would have been a snap.

Now, I enjoy taking my children to study outcroppings, and this book will be a great addition to our investigations.

First, the photographs are stunning. In fact, any temptation I might have had to develop my own samples is set aside by having these wonderful images to use.

Second, the information is detailed and thorough. There is a lot about the crystalline structure of each mineral, the hardness, and many tests that are specific to that particular mineral. There is a very good section that describes how to apply the hardness tests (I always had trouble memorizing that area for some reason). There is plenty of good safety information for how to use the various acids that can be employed to identify minerals. Everything is nicely summarized so it is easy to find.

Third, all those subtle distinctions about various kinds of igneous, metamorphic, and sedimentary rocks that used to puzzle me are very clear here. Whew!

Fourth, the book has great directions for locating good spots to examine rocks.

Fifth, you also receive a wonderful description of the equipment you need, and ways to use it safely.

Whether you think you like rocks or not, you should give this book a try. It will open up a very interesting world full of ways to locate and identify interesting rocks and understand the stories they can tell. As a result, you will have immensely more understanding of the world around you.

I also suggest that you read up on plate mechanics as well, so that you understand more about how the landscape is formed before erosion takes over. The combined knowledge of these two areas will greatly add to your understanding and appreciation of evolution.

Get in touch with the physical world around you as foundation knowledge!

A Sound Investment
This is one of the most thorough and comprehensive books you can buy on the subject of rocks and minerals. It covers over 500 specimens in every detail including their composition, hardness, SG, cleavage and fracture and each description is accompaned by a faithful and sometimes beautiful photograph of the specimen. The example of blue Smithsonite which looks uncannily like a leaping Dolphin is particularly nice.

The whole book is well set out as you would expect from a Dorling Kindersley publication and it is suitable for beginners and experts alike as it is an extremely good reference book.

a very usefull book for students of every age!
I am a university student, studying geology in detail for the first time,as part of a geography degree, so this book is very useful, with all the information i required. This would also be interesting for someone needing a less advanced knowledge, or just an general interest. Definately worth its money.