Easy-to-use introductory illustrated guidesto discovering the natural world Rocks and Minerals covers 220 commonly found types of rock, mineral, and gemstone throughout the world. This pocket-size guide is the ideal companion for beginner geologists and contains practical advice and information for those wanting to further their interests. Full-color photographs illustrate each type of rock or mineral, including their crystalline structure or other identification features Information on distribution, chemical composition, hardness, color, and texture Detailed description and ID Fact File offers key identification information at a glance

A guide to the major rocks, minerals and gemstones found in Europe. It contains an introduction to the basics of mineralogy, followed by a list of the general features of a rock that can be used in its identification. It also explains how to tell the basic difference between an igneous, metamorphic and sedimentary rock, allowing quick reference to the major identification sections for each of these classes. In these will be found comprehensive descriptions of each rock or mineral, with details of its composition, hardness, specific gravity, colour, fracture, cleavage, streak, lustre, transparency and crystal system, as well as notes on how it is formed and where it might be found, both in the UK and in the rest of the world.

Describes hundreds of minerals and lists their geographic distribution, physical properties, chemical composition, and crystalline structure.

Covering 240 commonly-found types of rock, mineral and gemstone throughout the world, Wild Guide Rocks and Minerals is the perfect introduction to this popular subject. Author Adrian Jones is a lecturer at University College London, and as well as having a wealth of academic experience, has also contributed to a number of books. He is keen to see a beginners' guide that is relevant not only to the general public, but also to first-year undergraduates and other students of Geology, Earth Science and Engineering. Many of the institution offering these subjects have a list that students have to learn by heart -- Wild Guide Rocks & Minerals will cover these lists. Each type of rock or mineral is illustrated with a stunning full-colour photograph. Additional artwork may show the crystalline structure or other identification features. There is a description of each rock or mineral type which includes information on distribution, chemical composition, hardness, colour and texture, and an ID Fact File that offers information at a glance. There is also the opportunity to raise the public's awareness of Special Sites of Scientific Interest (SSSIs), many of which exist to protect endangered s

This eBook is best viewed on a color device. This handy identification guide to the most common kinds of rocks and minerals offers concise and fascinating information on: - Physical and chemical properties - Origins and geologic significance - Gems and semiprecious stones - How to find and collect specimens Illustrated in full color throughout, Rocks, Gems and Minerals is a gem of a guide for rockhounds and mineral collectors!