Gem Minerals of Idaho [Paperback]

John A. Beckwith (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: January 1, 1972

Distributed by the University of Nebraska Press for Caxton Press

Gem Minerals of Idaho, designed for beginners and for those collectors visiting Idaho for the first time, it is a guide to some of the countless collecting areas of the state. It is not a textbook of mineralogy and, so far as possible, avoids technical terminology. However, it does contain information of general value on the physical and optical characteristics of minerals, as well as facts concerning history, lore, and fashioning of many of the gems.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

A Graduate Gemologist of the Gemological Institute of America, and holding an M.A. in English, John A. Beckwith is a professor with multi-faceted talents in both the sciences and the humanities.

Product Details

• Paperback: 129 pages
• Publisher: Caxton Press (January 1, 1972)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0870042289
• ISBN-13: 978-0870042287
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 6 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 9.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #950,238 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #13 in Books > 4-for-3 Books > Science > Nature & Ecology > Natural Resources
  • #15 in Books > 4-for-3 Books > Science > Nature & Ecology > Rocks & Minerals

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

8 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Old information, but good for historical data, January 10, 2008

By 

Garret Romaine (Portland, Oregon) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Gem Minerals of Idaho (Paperback)

This is one of those historical books that makes me wonder just how great collecting was in Idaho in the 1960s, before government regulations and population pressure made such a hash of things. I have only used Beckwith's book to explore two areas: the Emerald Creek garnet area up north, and the Silver City mining district down in the SE corner. I had mixed luck in both places, but mostly good. Generally, his information is standing the test of time fairly well.

I had a hard time comparing Beckwith's old hand-drawn maps with the current realities on the ground, for example. I didn't find any cassiterite near Silver City, but there were so many nails in the gravel road we were fixing flats instead of panning Jordan Creek. Also, when touring several of the old mines there, I didn't collect any real good quartz crystals. I wonder if the area has just been picked over?

Overall, Beckwith did a pretty good job. His field trip maps are the true value of the book. Some of the general discussion is just too vague for me, but that could just be me. I'm looking forward to using his information at Challis this summer.

3 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Bought as a gift for my wife..., April 14, 2010

By 

W. E. Weems (Plummer, ID USA) - See all my reviews
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Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Gem Minerals of Idaho (Paperback)

My wife is interested in geology, and since we live in Idaho, thought she should have a copy! She had seen it years before at our local library. It's full of field trips, although they are some what dated, and we actually used some of them to find rocks and minerals...she loves it and now she has her own copy! I highly recommend it for Idaho rock hounds...the field trips are interesting and allow you to not only find rock, gems, and mineral, but to see the wonderful Idaho scenery as you search!

1 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Book Review, July 4, 2007

By 

M. Clark "michfish" - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Gem Minerals of Idaho (Paperback)

Book came in a very short time and in excellent condition. I was very pleased.