Rocks and Minerals

Illustrated throughout with colour photographs, this title covers all classifications of rocks and minerals, with more than 150 examples from around the world. It begins with an introduction to minerals, including gemstones, explaining their classification, occurrence, formation and characteristics, identification, and economic uses.

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For experts and armchair enthusiasts alike, Rocks and Minerals: A Photographic Field Guide will appeal to anyone interested in uncovering the mysteries of this subject. Easy to use, highly informative and illustrated throughout with amazing colour photographs, this title covers all classifications of rocks and minerals, with more than 150 examples from around the world featured, including all of the commonest ones and also some more unusual. A general introduction is followed by an introduction to rocks covering the three groups: igneous, metamorphic and sedimentary, plus their formation and occurrence, main characteristics and economic uses. A number of examples from each category will be detailed and illustrated. The second part of the book begins with an introduction to minerals, including gemstones, explaining their classification, occurrence, formation and characteristics, identification, and economic uses. This is followed by accounts and images of a wide selection of examples. An easy-to-use, clear recognition guide, this book cuts through the complexities of rock and mineral identification, making the process straightforward and simple.
It is suitable for: beginner rock and mineral enthusiasts who need a simple way to identify what they find; established collectors seeking a quick, easy reference guide to recognition and classification; and anyone with an interest in rocks and minerals who wants to learn more about the earth's pre-history.