Gem Trails of New Mexico [Paperback]

James R. Mitchell (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: January 1996

New Mexico is a rockhound's paradise. From micromount and gem quality mineral specimens to fossil pieces that are millions of years old, there is something of interest to both the novice and experienced collector. Divided into four geographic regions, detailed maps, descriptive text and photos lead collectors from the geologic wonderland of Bisti to the unbelievable variety of collectibles and the Rockhound State Park. Features more than 100 locations throughout the state. Includes specimen color photos, B&W site photos, Mineral Locator Index, Glossary, and helpful contact information.

--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Product Details

• Paperback: 160 pages
• Publisher: Gem Guides Book Co; Revised edition (January 1996)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0935182845
• ISBN-13: 978-0935182842
• Product Dimensions: 8.9 x 5.9 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 10.4 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 3.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (8 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #402,301 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #26 in Books > Travel > United States > States > New Mexico
  • #93 in Books > Professional & Technical > Professional Science > Earth Sciences > Mineralogy

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

11 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

1.0 out of 5 stars Gem Trail of New Mexico, August 17, 2005

By 

Kristofer C. Knutson "Knute" (Santa Fe, NM) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Gem Trails of New Mexico (Revised ed) (Paperback)

This book is awful unless you really know what you are looking for, and have a good sense of geology. Just as an example, the author provides information on "candy rock" rhyolite near Truth or Consequences. If you take the directions in the book, you will end up at the end of a torn up road and a wash, with no real clue as to where you should go from there. I took several backroads which required a heavy-duty 4WD, and finally found some rhyolite. This book would be much more useful if the maps and directions were up to date, and if every description of a gem/mineral had a picture of the site you are supposed to be looking for, and a picture of the mineral in question. Don't buy this book if you are a novice, it will only discourage you.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars gem trails new mexico, November 4, 2005

By 

Gary Richmond (Michigan) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Gem Trails of New Mexico (Revised ed) (Paperback)

I have used this book for several trips and have found the directions clear. I am a fairly new collector yet I have found all but 2 sites Most of the sites are eazy to get to and highly productive

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars This guy won't get you lost, January 3, 2010

By 

Enchanted Lady - See all my reviews

This review is from: Gem Trails of New Mexico (Revised ed) (Paperback)

This book is very good. I have many rockhounding books for New Mexico, but this is by far the best. I've been able to find and collect at many of these sites. Most of my other guides really don't guide me anywhere and don't include the choice spots and exact directions. The sites in this book are well reseached and many are prime locations for what is there. There are enough pictures of specimens from the sites to give the general idea of what to look for, but a Rock and Mineral Field Guide is invaluable. When used with a good map; other "favorite spots" of my own have been found. This book is a keeper.