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.

For more information about the title Smithsonian Handbooks: Rocks & Minerals (Smithsonian Handbooks), read the full description at Amazon.com, or see the following related books:

National Audubon Society Field Guide to North American Rocks and Minerals (Audubon Society Field Guide) — Perfect for mountain climbers and hikers, this valuable reference covers more rocks and minerals in North America than any other available guide. 794 ...  > read more

Kaufman Field Guide to Birds of North America — World-renowned birder Kenn Kaufman addresses a long-running paradox of bird field guides with his Focus Guide. While beginning birdwatchers prefer ...  > read more

A Field Guide to Reptiles & Amphibians of Eastern & Central North America (Peterson Field Guide Series) — This newly designed field guides features detailed descriptions of 595 species and subspecies. The 656 full-color illustrations and 384 drawings show ...  > read more

Gemstones of the World: Newly Revised & Expanded Third Edition — Gemstones of the World is truly the single volume that every hobbyist, jeweler, jewelry maker, and rockhound needs: it’s the cornerstone of the ...  > read more

Author: Chris Pellant

Publisher: DK ADULT

Date: Sep. 1, 2002

List Price:

$20.00

Discount Price:

$11.27

Related Stories

Newly Discovered Water, Oil And Gas Locations Surveyed In Afghanistan (May 2, 2008) — The USGS recently collected new information to aid in resource and hazards assessments of Afghanistan. This survey presents valuable new information to policymakers, potential private investors, and ...  > read more

Study Shows Moon In New Light (February 7, 2007) — Light has been shed on the dark parts of the Moon with experiments by University of Edinburgh researchers simulating billions of years of lunar ...  > read more

Geosequestration: Turning Carbon Dioxide Into Rock To Offset Global Warming (July 22, 2008) — The same technology used to analyse minerals and atmosphere on Mars and other planets is being used by scientists to explore methods for geosequestration of carbon emissions. The idea of ...  > read more

Artificial Meteorite Shows Martian Impactors Could Carry Traces Of Life (September 25, 2008) — An artificial meteorite designed by the European Space Agency has shown that traces of life in a martian meteorite could survive the violent heat and shock of entry into the Earth's atmosphere. The ...  > read more

Mars Meteorite Similar To Bacteria-etched Earth Rocks (May 12, 2006) — A new study of a meteorite that originated from Mars has revealed a series of microscopic tunnels that are similar in size, shape and distribution to tracks left on Earth rocks by feeding bacteria. ...  > read more

Search ScienceDaily

Building The Perfect Butterfly House