Book Description

This short, practical guide to the identification of hand specimen minerals utilizes simple methods of observation and inexpensive tools. It gives a guidline on how to collect minerals as well as a tone and language that evoke the charm of an earlier scientific era. A companion volume to the newly revised Dana's New Mineralogy, this book will reward the student of nature seeking an introduction to minerals and their identification. ... Read more

Book Description

Here are forests of petrified wood, veins of brilliantturquoise, and troves of facet-grade garnet, peridot, and amethyst-inall, more than 640 mineral species that make Arizona a rockhound'sparadise.In Rockhounding Arizona, formerly The Rockhound's Guide toArizona, expert rockhound Gerry Blair describes more than seventy ofthe state's best rockhounding areas, from jasper hunting in thehistoric mining district near Bagdad to searching for gold in theSuperstition Mountains and digging for turquoise at the foot of theHieroglyphic Range. This guidebook covers popular and commercial sitesas well as numerous little-known sites.It also describes where toview mineral specimens and prehistoric artifacts at Grand Canyon andPetrified Forest national parks, as well as on tribal lands. Brimmingwith advice on collecting and preparing gems and minerals, this handybook also includes maps and directions to each site and directories tomuseums, rock shops, and major public land areas. For the beginner,Rockhounding Arizona offers a complete introduction to thismany-faceted hobby.For the expert, it is an outstanding guide andsource-book. ... Read more

Reviews (3)

Don't let the new title fool you ....
I was hugely disappointed to find that this book, "Rockhounding Arizona", by Gerry Blair (ISBN #1-56044-389-8, 1992 by Falcon Publishing) is simply a title and ISBN # change for the original book, "The Rockhound's Guide to Arizona" by the same author (ISBN #1-56044-161-5, 1992 by Falcon Press Publishing).

Amazon references a 1995 date for this book, but the inside cover reflects the copyright date of 1992.

I thought I would find updated information from the original guide, but instead found a replica of the book I already possessed, with an different picture on the cover and a different title. Very disappointing.

Too many off-limits sites
While an excellent reference for what can be found where, this is not a good reference for what the public can actually get their hands on. Many of the (most interesting!) locations were listed as being closed to the public. In fact, 10 of the first 12 sites listed in the book are closed to collecting or have highly restricted access. This book says "You can look but you can't touch!". The book does get less restrictive towards the middle and end. There are definitely better books out there, including Minerals of Arizona by Neil Bearce and Gem Trails of Arizona by James Mitchell.

Great sites and good directions
I tried five of the sites in the book and found the sites with little trouble based on the directions given. At each of the sites I found the mineral described in the book (often in great quantity). The book recommends tools to use at each site. An excellent book! ... Read more

Reviews (2)

2003 review
I am giving this book a three star rating, I believe that it was a five star rating when first published. My copy shows a copyright of 1994 and a fifth printing in 2000. I enjoyed the historic and background geology information provided by the author. It was good evening reading. I did have problems in locating the sites listed. Colorado has grown a bit since 1994. I prefer the detailed format in the falcon guides. They do not have the background Voynick's book does but they get you to most of the sites. In all cases I would like to see the authors show the dates they visited recommended sites.

Rocky Mountain HIGH!
Several years ago, I made a swing through Colorado and, as always, collected rocks and minerals [mainly for my class that I teach at a California high school]. This book was at my side and served me well, leading to many beautiful specimens [and two blown tires-it was an excellent trip]. I never failed to find a site and all sites were better than average quality. Warning: many of these sites are at high elevation and may involve a little hiking [I'm out of shape and stayed to the sites close to the roads and still had quite a haul]. As always, please collect respectfully and only in places where it is legal to collect. ... Read more

Book Description

The long-awaited sequel that goes beyond Opal Cutting Made Easy. Containing 33 color and 104 black & white photos and diagrams, Paul Downing has condensed his 30 plus years of experience in opal cutting and jewelry design into simple, easy to understand instructions. Learn all the skills he regularly offered in his popular opal cutting classes, plus many more subjects. Full of hints and ideas previously not available in print. ... Read more

Book Description

The Rock Physics Handbook conveniently brings together the theoretical and empirical relations that form the foundations of rock physics, with particular emphasis on seismic properties. It also includes commonly used models and relations for electrical and dielectric rock properties. Seventy-six articles concisely summarize a wide range of topics, including wave propagation, AVO-AVOZ, effective media, poroelasticity, pore fluid flow and diffusion. The book contains overviews of dispersion mechanisms, fluid substitution, and Vp-Vs relations. Useful empirical results on reservoir rocks and sediments, granular media, tables of mineral data, and an atlas of reservoir rock properties complete the text. This distillation of an otherwise scattered and eclectic mass of knowledge is presented in a form that can be immediately applied to solve real problems.Geophysics professionals, researchers and students as well as petroleum engineers, well log analysts, and environmental geoscientists will value The Rock Physics Handbook as a unique resource. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

The Rock Physics Handbook
Excellent reference. Improvements would be more explanation of the variables in the equations. The index at the back is off, for example a reference on page 60 (Greenberg et al)is actually on page 64 and another topic that is supposed to be on page 235 is actually on page 246 (Smith and Gidlow).

The Rock Physics Handbook Review
The book works well as a reference, but contains only cursory examinations of some topics. Governing and consistutive equtions are comprehensively included in the text. Worth the expense. ... Read more

Book Description

It is 10 years since publication of the first edition of soils of the past. In that time the subject of paleopedology has grown rapidly, and established itself within the mainstream of geological research.

Ancient soils contain vital mineralogical, geochemical, textural, and paleontological information about the continental environments in which they formed. Advances in isotope geochemistry and sequence-stratigraphic models allow ever more detailed reconstructions of environmental change from paleosols, and new insights into such diverse topics as atmospheric chemistry, global change, palaeoecology, geobiology and mass extinction.

This fully updated second edition of Soils of the Past describes the main types of ancient soil, procedures for their recognition and study, their classification and, most significantly, a wide array of examples of how paleosols have been used for paleoenvironmental reconstruction.

Soils of the past is written for advanced undergraduates studying paleopedology as part of a degree in geology, environmental science, or physical geography, and for interested professional earth scientists. ... Read more

Reviews (8)

Vibrant color photographs throughout add visualization
Now in an updated second edition, Gemstone Buying Guide by experienced and professional gemologist Renee Newman is an authoritative, useful and "user friendly", no-nonsense guide to evaluating, identifying, and caring for colored gems, ranging from pearls and opals, to moonstone, topaz, turquoise, and more. Vibrant color photographs throughout add visualization to the tips, tricks, and techniques skillfully described in the text. If you are buying or selling any kind of gemstone then give Renee Newman's Gemstone Buying Guide is "must" reading.

Gemstone Buying Guide
If you are looking for a brief, concise, easy to read book that spells out the basics for gem buying, this is for you. It also has some lore and some of the most beautiful photographs of gems I have ever seen. Inexpensive and useful.

Gemstone Buying Guide
I do not feel this book is specific enough regarding values of stones for a beginner such as myself, especially for less-expensive stones.

Top Rating
Excellent resource. Packed with pictures and data on gem types and sub types. Ranks stones that come in many colors by value. (e.g. tourmalines, spinel,sapphires, etc.). Tables on specific gravity, hardness, etc. help with positive identification.

I echo the positive comments made in other reviews of this book.

Great
Do you want a book which shows how a TRUE top gemstone looks like ? Buy it. Do you want to understand why you cannot buy a really! pigeon blood red ruby for 100 dollars a carat? Buy it. You cannot decide if the paraiba tourmaline, advertised on an internet auction for 135 dollars, may be a good business? Buy it ... Read more

Book Description

A classic guide to collecting in Minnesota, Wisconsin, Indiana, Illinois, Michigan and Ohio, Midwest Gem, Fossils and Mineral Trails: Great Lakes States, has it all in this newly revised and updated rockhounding guide.Geologically the Midwest is an incredible land, carved by glaciers and situated on the incomparable Great Lakes, the location of the upper Mississippi River Valley and the Ohio River. The copper country of Michigan, the iron ranges of Minnesota, the fluorite area of Illinois, and the limestones of Indiana are unsurpassed.Wisconsin holds great promise for copper, lead, and zinc, and its granite is a national favorite.Ohio, a leading coal producer, has yielded some of the finest fossils ever found.Diamonds and gold have been found here too; the reserves of minerals are tremendous.There are miles of beaches on the Great Lakes and other glacial lakes, along reservoirs, and along the rivers and streams of this region where Lake Superior agates, fossils, and minerals can be found.The author, who has been collecting in these states for over 50 years, describes how to hunt on your own, where and what to collect, and where to find additional information on each state.An indispensable guide for the rock hobbyist, lapidary and fossil enthusiast, this book highlights the best of the area in one compact volume. ... Read more

Book Description

Arizona is known the world over for its rich abundance and variety of geological treasures. Newly revised, the fourth edition of this best-selling guide updates the well-known sites and features twenty new locations for collecting rocks, minerals, crystals and fossils. Situated in landscape as diverse as the minerals themselves, these sites vary from arid desert to pine covered peaks.Includes over 90 collecting sites.

Detailed text describes where to go and what to look for at each collecting area. Maps for each site lead the rockhound to an almost limitless supply of specimens.Black and white photographs picture the collecting areas.Color photographs highlight beautiful specimens.A new glossary makes it easier to locate that special specimen for your collection.

Filled with expert advice based on years of experience, Gem Trails of Arizona is an invaluable guide for the rockhound just starting out. For the experienced collector who has searched for Arizona's mineral resources for years, it is an outstanding source for the best collecting sites throughout this scenic state. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Needs better maps and/or GPS coordinates
This review is based on visiting only 4 of the sites covered in the book. For three of the four sites, I found the hand drawn maps in the book rather confusing. Based on my limited experience, it appears that most AZ roads outside of medium to large population centers are rough, may be unmarked and, if marked, often have names/numbers that may not match the book, the gazetteer, or USGS topo maps. Furthermore, some of these collecting sites are old mine workings that are not readily visible due to overgrowth. In any case, GPS coordinates would take some of the confusion out of the location descriptions. Better maps would help also. However, we did eventually find what was advertised and this certainly is a helpful guide and worth the money spent.

Gem Trails of Arizona
I own three different revisions of this book. All are very useful for amateur rock hounds. My sons and I have visited about a dozen of the listed sites and all have produced nice specimens. ... Read more

Book Description

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

Book Description

This handbook includes more than 600 stunning color photographs showing rocks, minerals, and gems from all over the world. Each specimen is described in detail: its origin and structure, chemical composition, hardness, color, and other properties. ... Read more

Reviews (3)

A reviewers are not equal
After reading a negative review on these pages at the advice of the reviewer I bought the Cambridge book he recommended. That was a mistake. Whereas the Cambridge book is a good reference book with lots of technical info and good photographs, it has not one photograph of rock in the field - precisely what I need. I've since purchased Schumann's Hand Book and I like it considerably more. The Cambridge book will sit on my shelf, Schuman's will get out in the field and serve me well.

This book is a waste of money, it is very poor
I have actually reviewed this book for publication but the journal's policy is to not use negative reviews so it never appeared. It is difficult in just 1,000 words to summarize my review but I will say that the book is loaded with technical deficiencies, flat-out errors and inconsistencies that make it a very poor reference work. Furthermore, it was translated by someone who knew nothing of minerals so the errors introduced by the translator are monumental, hundreds! There are terms devised by the translator that mean nothing to English readers and don't appear in any other mineral/gem book of any kind!

A truly bad look, yet it enjoys good sales because the public is so ill-informed about mineralogy.

Fine coffee-table book with great color photographs.
Originally published in German in 1985, this paperback is full of wonderful color photographs. Many specimens are from Germany or from other parts of Europe, and anyone wanting to view such specimens, but cannot travel to a museum in Europe, is advised to get this book as it would be an easier trip.

The text is non-technical, written for the layman with brief descriptions of the minerals, and is not to be used as an identification guide (as indeed some definitions are imprecise; e.g. the definition of a mineral), but is an interesting book and would make a fine coffee-table book for those interested in minerals (and in rocks, as half the book is devoted to rocks), with beautiful photographs. It might also make an introduction to the subject for friends of mineralogists who enjoy the beauty of minerals. ... Read more

Book Description

Native American cultures have flourished in the Four Corners region for thousands of years, from the early shamans, to the Anasazi, to the tribes of today. Images incised or painted on rock by these people are diverse, mysterious, haunting, and inscrutable. Many occur in the southeastern part of Utah, in and around the Colorado Plateau. Utah may contain more world-class prehistoric rock art than any other region in North Americaover 7,500 sites have been reported.

Due to increased interest, more and more rock art sites in Utah are now being managed for public visitation by state, county, and federal agencies. Guide to Rock Art of the Utah Region is the most complete guide to these sites. With maps and directions, the book describes more than fifty sites with public access in Utah, the Arizona strip, southern Nevada, and the western edge ofColorado. In addition to site information, the author gives a comprehensive overview of rock art styles, and the cultural traditions that created them. Additional information is provided about preservation, conservation, and how to photograph rock art. ... Read more

Reviews (4)

Unique and Complete
Usually when I buy a book, I feel I get my money's worth as long as I can get something out of it. It is very rare when the entire book becomes an invaluable resource. This is such a book. This book contains excellent maps and directions and includes numerous B&W pictures and illustrations. There is also a color panel in the middle. When I say detailed directions I mean DETAILED. The author tells you what landmarks to look for, what exit to get off, how the road winds and breaks the distances down to a tenth of a mile. It is also written in a very easy to follow and understand text. The highlight of the book for me is the detailed breakdown of Nine Mile Canyon. I was not intending on doing nine mile canyon due to a shortage of time and thinking I would need a guide to find many of the sites. The book describes the trip in such detail you feel like you are on a tour. Besides Utah, the author also writes about some sites in Nevada, Arizona and Colorado. Before I purchased this book, I thought I would only get to see a few rock art panels at the more popoular destinations. After reading this book, I now know that there are many more sites I can visit. Hopefully, those who are intersted in this book will also heed the authors plea to be respectful of the sites. His book speaks about way to many instances of idiots vandalizing these treasures and destroying them for the future generations. Bottom line is that this is a must have for anyone serious about seeing rock art in Utah.

Worth the Investment
I'm not easily satisified with guides, but this one appears to be an exception. It fits the need of those of us who enjoy and appreciate indigenous art and the wilderness that typically accompanies it. There are numerous maps, excellent directions, a section of color pictures, and good insights.

A thoroughly "user friendly" travel guide
Filled with black-and-white photographs and a brief insert section of color plates, Guide To Rock Art Of The Utah Region: Sites With Public Access is a singularly comprehensive, illustrated, informative, and descriptive introduction to Native American rock art, as well as a thoroughly "user friendly" travel guide to the viewing of rock art found in Utah that has endured since before written history. Chapters cover not only the artwork found throughout Utah, but the accessibility of sites and proper etiquette and conservation that traveling viewers should observe. Highly recommended for students of Native American studies, rock art history, armchair travelers, and people with a simple zest to visit Utah and see these amazing drawings for themselves.

Best Guide to Utah Rock Art
This is the best and most responsible guide to the rock art of Utah I have seen. It is well written and researched, the maps are excellent and so are the directions. It's a winner. ... Read more

Book Description

Newly revised and updated, The Gem & Mineral Collector's Guide to Idaho now combines Volume I and Volume II into one handy rockhounding guide.From Bathtub Mountain and Ruby Rapids to Paris Canyon and Cinder Butte, the author will lead the collector to over 40 of the best mineral, fossil, and gemstone sites Idaho has to offer. Find the best spot in Rabbit Springs to find agate-filled thundereggs or where to hunt for precious opal in Spencer.

A comprehensive list of Bureau of Land Management agencies and National Forest Services throughout the state is included to aid in planning your collecting adventure.Complete with individual site maps, an overview map, detailed directions, and black and white photos.

The Gem & Mineral Collector's Guide to Idaho is the essential guide for rockhounding in Idaho.

For the last two decades, Lanny Ream has been writing and publishing books on the minerals and "popular geology" of the Northwest, and publishes a monthly newspaper for mineral collector's - Mineral News. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

This Book is a Real Problem
I happen to live in one of the areas that Lanny Reams suggests is excellent rock hounding. Actually I own property that he suggests is great for finding certain minerals. I now spend a great deal of time telling ( or occasionally argueing with) people that "this is private property. You cannot dig here." The most frequent response is " Well it says in the book I can." Mr Reams does mention in his book that people should not go on posted land. There is no mention of asking permision to dig on private land. My land is not posted, but thanks to this book it soon will be. I would suggest before he writes anymore guidebooks he checks out propery and mineral rights of the owners of the land on which he reccomends rockhounding. ... Read more

Book Description

An Instant Guide to Rocks and Minerals is an ideal compact identification guide to the rocks, minerals, and crystals found on the shore, in the desert, in national parks, on old mine tips, in yards, and in the stone and stone-faced buildings of North America.
This user-friendly guide assumes no previous knowledge: an easy-to-follow system of color-coded bands and symbols designating type of rock and hardness of mineral leads quickly to the correct section of the book. Detailed, full-color illustrations and a concise but informative text that includes details of principal U.S. locations allow you to identify accurately the most familiar rocks and minerals of North America. ... Read more