Customer Reviews

Southwest States: Where & How to Dig, Pan and Mine Your Own Gems and Minerals (Gem & Mineral Guides to the U.S.A.)

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3 star:		(1)
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1 star:		(1)

 

 

There's a small section at the front that gives infantile advice on how to collect samples. 95% of the book is nothing more than a list of museums. They do list a few pay sites that let you dig for a fee. There are no references or lists to guide you to mineral and gemstone collecting sites like: Fire Agate at Wiley's Well south of the 10 Fwy. near Blythe, Geode beds south of The Salton Sea or any of the hundred other gemstone and mineral collecting sites that abound in Southern California. This book is totally worthless as a guide to collecting anything except museums. Rating: Minus 5 Stars!

Most people I spoke to, told me that this book is very disappointing because it doesn't teach you anything about the gemstones. Most of the hear say is true, and some false.

This book does give you a a lot of insight about the places where you can dig your own gems, go to museums, and read up on some material. The Mineral Guide does not go into heavy detail about the gemstones. I rated this book three stars because I know some very close areas in Southern CA, that this book did not state it.

I highly recommend you to get this book used or second hand because the price you pay for it will make you regret it. I for one saw no difference between the older editions compared to this new one. <- This is also another reason why I gave this book 3 stars.

If you want to know more about gems, jewelry and history on these subjects I suggest reading "Jewelry and Gems the Buying guide". This book has tons of info on Gems and Jewelry.