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Over 405 colour photographs
Over 405 illustrations
Over 380 projects

• A stunning visual guide to the origins and identification of rocks and minerals, featuring profiles of over 400 specimens and over 900 colour photographs and artworks in total



• Tips for the amateur geologist on how to extract samples safely, clean and store specimens, and build a unique and colourful collection



• Provides step-by-step instruction on simple home testing techniques, to gauge colour, hardness, cleavage, lustre, tenacity, transparency and more



• An authoritative introduction looks at the development of rocks and minerals in the landscape, and includes global examples of striking formations plus explanatory diagrams



• A comprehensive photographic directory enables the reader to identify specimens by sight, and includes specially-commissioned artworks demonstrating shapes and structures



• Practical information on the wider relevance of precious rocks and minerals to industry and the environment

This is the ultimate photographic guide to the world of rocks and minerals, with a strong emphasis on how to build a diverse and colourful collection.

A comprehensive, highly visual introduction explains the formation and classification of the many types of rock and mineral, with inspirational photographs of some of the world's most bizarre and beautiful examples.

Expertly written text clarifies the impact of factors such as time, weather and water erosion on external character, and how contact with heat and pressure can prompt the metamorphosis of one rock into another. There are also many tips for the amateur geologist on equipment, field work, maps, tools and home testing, to help the amateur source some of the most interesting geological specimens in the field.

In the second part of the book a comprehensive photographic directory illustrates over 350 examples of minerals and rocks from all over the world. Specimens are logically ordered into key categories, and grouped according to their composition.

All entries include quick-reference identification checklists to aid recognition, and practical information on how rocks and minerals are used in industry. Altogether there are over 800 colour photographs and artworks, making this the only visual encyclopedia and field guide you will ever need on this rich, consuming and fascinating subject.

About the Authors

John Farndon - Author

John Farndon studied Earth Science at Cambridge University, UK, and has written a number of books and articles on the subject since, including Dorling Kindersley's Dictionary of the Earth, and the Rocks and Minerals section of their multimedia Earth science project. He has also written The Rock and Crystal Collection (Sterling), Collecting Minerals (Sterling) and Rocks and Minerals (Benchmark Books).