Minerals of the World (Princeton Field Guides) [Paperback]

Ole Johnsen (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 069109537X | ISBN-13: 978-0691095370 | Publication Date: May 6, 2002

Minerals of the World is an attractive and up-to-date guide to more than 500 minerals from around the world. The succinct text--covering crystallography, properties, names and varieties, structure, diagnostic features, and occurrence--and the discussion of less common minerals not found in other guides make this an invaluable resource. With over 600 exquisite color photographs and crystallographic diagrams, this book is unequalled. It is set to become the field guide of choice for mineral collectors and students of mineralogy.

• The most up-to-date popular guide to minerals available
• Text covers crystallography, physical properties, chemical properties, names and varieties, diagnostic features, and occurrence
• More than 500 minerals treated with examples from around the world
• More than 600 superb color photographs and crystallographic diagrams
• Tabular overview of common minerals and their properties

Editorial Reviews

Review

The advantage of this reference lies in the excellent treatment of crystal systems and internal structure of minerals. It's up to date, so it could replace the older, similar references on your shelf. -- Bob Jones, Rock & Gem



This excellent up-to-date publication rates as one of the best mineral guidebooks around. The text is accurate and authoritative, the illustrations are well chosen and of high quality and the production quality is superb. While it is probably most appropriate for the intermediate to advanced collector, this book will delight the beginner and prove a good reference for students and, indeed, anyone interested in hand-specimen mineralogy. -- Anthony Kampf, American Mineralogist



This is one of the best mineral guidebooks that I have seen. The written content is accurate and authoritative. The illustrations are well-chosen and of excellent quality. The overall production quality is superb. I highly recommend this book for anyone interested in minerals. -- Anthony R. Kampf, The Mineralogical Record

From the Inside Flap

"Minerals of the World is an extremely handsome and valuable addition to the library of anyone who appreciates mineralogy and mineral specimens. Covering the fundamental aspects of mineralogy, and treating more than 500 minerals with concise authoritative text, it is a superbly illustrated book with fine photography of attractive yet representative specimens." (George E. Harlow, Curator of Minerals and Gems, American Museum of Natural History)

"This is a very appealing handbook and textbook for minerals. It is clearly and competently written. This book cannot go out-of-date. The facts of mineral structures are timeless." (Lincoln S. Hollister, Princeton University) --This text refers to the Hardcover edition.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 440 pages
• Publisher: Princeton University Press (May 6, 2002)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 069109537X
• ISBN-13: 978-0691095370
• Product Dimensions: 8.2 x 5.7 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.7 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #285,859 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #19 in Books > Science & Math > Nature & Ecology > Field Guides > Rocks & Minerals
  • #42 in Books > Professional & Technical > Professional Science > Earth Sciences > Mineralogy
  • #68 in Books > Professional & Technical > Professional Science > Earth Sciences > Rocks & Minerals

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars little-known guide outshines the others, October 4, 2005

By 

Jeffrey O. Shallit (Kitchener, Ontario Canada) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Minerals of the World (Princeton Field Guides) (Paperback)

This little-known, beautiful 439-page guide is one of my favorites, mainly because of the photography. More than 500 minerals are described, and there are 600 color photographs. Unlike some other guides, the color reproduction is wonderful, and the photos are large (some as big as 3" by 5") and clear.

This is more of a "guide to take with you to mineral shows" rather than a field guide. Minerals from all over the world are covered, including interesting rarities such as whewellite, tugtupite, kaemmererite, and cavansite.

I did find a few minor errors. On page 233, for example, the Yukon is described as being in the US (it's in Canada). But generally speaking, the text is well-written and understandable.

Definitely recommended. I'd choose this guide over the Simon and Schuster guide any day.

6 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Best arm chair guide in years, September 3, 2006

By 

PTSideshow "GRP" (Macomb County Michigan) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Minerals of the World (Princeton Field Guides) (Paperback)

With close to 4000 or so minerals to pick from this one probably covers the more common forms that one might run into at a show or display. It isn't a guide for lugging on an outing due to the world wide coverage.
The sections on Crystallography with its systems and properties of crystal are readable with out the heavy lid condition I remember from college and other mineral books years ago.
The mineral descriptions are grouped according to type with out regard to what section of the world they are found in.
The addition of the tables of minerals and their properties along with the other info and a good glossary round out the book.
The color photos are breath taking, they give the mineral center stage. They all have the size of the specimen in metric. Also the where the sample is from. At the start of each mineral grouping they give a crystallographic diagrams. For the mineral they list the name, chemical form, crystallography, physical properties, chemical properties, names and varieties, occurrence,use and diagnostic features.
Being the book is translated into English there are some minor mistakes that one can over look due to all the other outstanding features of the book. I have enjoyed reading it and still pick it up and page thru it till something catches my eye.

5.0 out of 5 stars If you only want one book as a mineral reference then this it., August 11, 2010

By 

Paul W. Pohwat (Hyattsville, MD, US) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Minerals of the World (Princeton Field Guides) (Paperback)

This book is one I heartily recommend to any mineral collector or geology student looking for an easily understood overview of minerals and their physical properties. The clear and concise explanations of mineral properties are an excellent introduction to the basics of mineral identification. The descriptive mineralogy is superb, not overly long and stressing the most important mineral groups and species. The mix of common and rare minerals is sure to be an asset to the tyro and the seasoned collector alike. The photographs are, for the most part, well executed and the color reproduction is of the highest quality. The book is printed on high quality paper and the font used to print the text is easy to read. Overall the publishers are to be congratulated on producing a high quality product for such a bargain price. An added bonus for mineral collectors is the fact that all the specimens illustrated in the book are in the collection of the Geological Museum in Copenhagen, Denmark. So not only are you learning the basics you are also getting a mini tour of that fine collection in one inexpensive, well produced volume. Paraphrasing the late, great Neil Yedlin - buy and use this very accessable book.