The Smithsonian Handbook of Rocks and Minerals combines 600 vivid full--color photos with descriptions of more than 500 specimens. This authoritative and systematic photographic approach, with words never separated from pictures, marks a new generation of identification guides. Each entry combines a precise description with annotated photographs to highlight the chief characteristics of the rock or mineral and distinguishing features. Color--coded bands provide a clear, at--a--glance facts for quick reference. In addition, each mineral entry features an illustration showing the crystal system to which the mineral belongs. Designed for beginners and experienced collectors alike, the Smithsonian Handbook of Rocks and Minerals explains what rocks or minerals are, how they are classified, and how to start a collection. To help in the initial stages of rock identification, a clear visual key illustrates the differences between igneous, metamorphic and sedimentary rocks, then guides the reader to the correct rock entry. A concise glossary provides instant understanding of technical and scientific terms
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Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
176 of 179 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
When I took Geology in college, I loved the course. I only had one problem. It was very difficult for me to identify rocks and minerals in the field. If I had had this pocket field guide, the course would have been a snap.
Now, I enjoy taking my children to study outcroppings, and this book will be a great addition to our investigations.
First, the photographs are stunning. In fact, any temptation I might have had to develop my own samples is set aside by having these wonderful images to use.
Second, the information is detailed and thorough. There is a lot about the crystalline structure of each mineral, the hardness, and many tests that are specific to that particular mineral. There is a very good section that describes how to apply the hardness tests (I always had trouble memorizing that area for some reason). There is plenty of good safety information for how to use the various acids that can be employed to identify minerals. Everything is nicely summarized so it is easy to find.
Third, all those subtle distinctions about various kinds of igneous, metamorphic, and sedimentary rocks that used to puzzle me are very clear here. Whew!
Fourth, the book has great directions for locating good spots to examine rocks.
Fifth, you also receive a wonderful description of the equipment you need, and ways to use it safely.
Whether you think you like rocks or not, you should give this book a try. It will open up a very interesting world full of ways to locate and identify interesting rocks and understand the stories they can tell. As a result, you will have immensely more understanding of the world around you.
I also suggest that you read up on plate mechanics as well, so that you understand more about how the landscape is formed before erosion takes over.
... Read more ›49 of 50 people found the following review helpful
By J. Malnar
Format:Paperback
I am more of a gem and crystal lover myself, yet I am happy to own this book. Whenever I go thru it I have a real URGE to go out hunting! Very comprehensive, quite technical, classifies rocks and minerals according to chemical formula (sulphides, oxides, halides, carbonates etc) or type of formation (sedimentary, metamorphic, igneous), and then works thru ecah subgruop alphabetically. Detailed descriptions, chemistry, hardness, tests, BEAUTIFUL photos, detailed index and glossary. Only thing I am missing is WHERE ON EARTH am I most likely to find them (especially the ones I absolutely LOVE), so I can plan my next vacation :D
40 of 40 people found the following review helpful
By A Customer
Format:Paperback
I am new to the study of geology and have found this book to be indispensable in identifying rocks and minerals in the field. It even has a few tips at the beginning about how to do tests, and each mineral suggests tests to further aid in identifying them. It has also been a great reference when reading texts about geology. I use it to look up the rocks and minerals mentioned there. Very helpful for later field study. The least I can say is: buy this book, it is EXCELLENT!!
25 of 25 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase
I have been looking for a field guide for my 6-year-old son and could only find books for children that gave a general overview of rocks and minerals. This book is the one I have been looking for. I knew that DK would be the publisher to give me what I wanted. In DK fashion, the pages are easy to read without a lot of text clunking up the page. The rocks are organized in nice boxes with information laid out neatly and unobtrusively. Each page features two new rocks with a large full-color picture of each. This is now his favorite book. It has all of the information we have been looking for in a concise, easy-to-read format. Each profile gives the name and visual outline of crystal system; specific gravity; cleavage; fracture; chemical test to confirm identification; mineral-forming environment; main text describes mineral's identifying features; standard name of the mineral; chemical group to which the mineral belongs; chemical formula for the mineral; hardness according to the Mohs' scale; variations of the mineral shown in full-color when applicable; annotations identifying mineral's main identifying features. I LOVE this book. It is a great book for kids(who eat, sleep, and breathe rocks and minerals) and adults. I am thinking of getting another one just for me. I think this would also be an invaluable resource for classroom teachers. I will be teaching First Grade and will use this book to introduce scientific concepts.
18 of 18 people found the following review helpful
By A Customer
Format:Paperback
After wading through a half-dozen mineral guides i found this one to be a gem (pun intended). It has large labeled photographs to aid in identification and a very user friendly format. There is enough information here for the extremely curious and features enough to excite dormant curiosity. At the same time, the author's concise style and avoidance of excessive technical jargon make this book appealing even to the very young. I also appreciate his avoidance of pat answers where none have been conclusively found, as when he states that tektite "were once believed to be meteorites" but that "they may not in fact have an extra-terrestrial origin". In short, this is a great addition to any home library.
15 of 15 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase
I bought this for my 7-yr. old daughter - budding rock hound and naturalist! Like other DK books, the photography is luscious and the layout is casual and very inviting - full of beautiful images.
It provides a great overview of rocks and minerals, including tools used to find them, the different characteristics and where specific types of rocks and minerals can be found. It also provides detailed "specifics" such as classification, occurence and cleavage - as appropriate.
This is a thoroughly engaging book for all ages and it is highly recommended.
It provides a great overview of rocks and minerals, including tools used to find them, the different characteristics and where specific types of rocks and minerals can be found. It also provides detailed "specifics" such as classification, occurence and cleavage - as appropriate.
This is a thoroughly engaging book for all ages and it is highly recommended.
Most Recent Customer Reviews
5.0 out of 5 stars
I would recommend this to any rodk enthusiest
very informative and easy to use, would recommend to any ameature or rock hound. My grandson just couldn't put the book down.
Published 2 days ago by Joanne M Wing
5.0 out of 5 stars
rocks
smithsonian books are allways a good read i love the pictures and brief information for a quick search,thank-you for your time.
Published 5 days ago by g-ma
5.0 out of 5 stars
Good book
Another book I bought to help with identifying rocks, gems and minerals. All together, the books I have now help with most of the rocks but none have all the info/pictures I am... Read more
Published 10 days ago by Irma R. Frazier
5.0 out of 5 stars
Wonderful
Wonderful book. It had all of the information I was looking for. I love the way it is set up.
Published 12 days ago by Sam
5.0 out of 5 stars
Interesting
Good field tool and reference. I keep this in the truck cause you never know what we'll come across when out in the field. It really full of a lot of info
Published 20 days ago by David Rivera
5.0 out of 5 stars
Great guide
This is the perfect rocks and minerals guide for our rock-loving 10yr old son. He uses it often. Would recommend.
Published 23 days ago by justheidi
5.0 out of 5 stars
Gift
We combined the book with the very reasonable price 2 POUNDS OF A 12 Stone Mix from Madagascar rough gemstones labradorite as a gift for a 6 year old recovering from a surgery. Read more
Published 28 days ago by E. Overstreet
5.0 out of 5 stars
Great Book
This book is wonderful. Has lots of full color pictures. It is easy to read and has the chemical breakdowns for those with Chemistry background. Read more
Published 1 month ago by Greg B
5.0 out of 5 stars
.
I am a geology major, and this book makes it easier to identify what a mineral is. It does not have all, but it is a good resource.
Published 1 month ago by Gennelyn S. Eldredge
5.0 out of 5 stars
Rock and Mineral handbook
A lot of very good information in this rock and mineral handbook. Bought this for my twin granddaughters in third grade and it looks like it will be a useful learning tool for a... Read more
Published 1 month ago by Marilyn Schuster
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