Select a book:

Peterson Field Guides: Rocks and Minerals Audubon Society Field Guide to North American Rocks and Minerals Field Collecting Gemstones and Minerals Dana's New Mineralogy Mineralogy: Concepts, Descriptions, Determinations New Minerals 1995-1999 Encyclopedia of Mineral Names Minerals of the World The Complete Book of Micromounting Minerals in Thin Section Monteregian Treasures

	Peterson Field Guides: Rocks and Minerals Authors: Pough, F.H. Publisher: Houghton Mifflin Co., New York Year: 1996 (5th ed.) ISBN 0-395-72778-2 Description: This book is illustrated with beautiful photographs of fine mineral specimens (professionally done by Jeffrey Scovil). Besides describing common minerals, this guide includes information on mineral classification, common mineral identification tests, the mineral crystal systems, cleaning and preparation of specimens, and basic rock types. Each mineral is well described.
	Audubon Society Field Guide to North American Rocks and Minerals Authors: Chesterman, C.W., and Lowe, K.E. Publisher: Random House Canada Year: 1999 ISBN 0-394-50269-8 Description: This field guide visually organizes for quick identification important rocks, gems, and mineral species by variations of color and crystal form. Includes additional identification keys based on hardness, cleavage, streak, environment and other characteristics. With 794 full-color photographs, it has more than twice as many pages and twice as many color plates as any available rock and mineral guide.
	Field Collecting Gemstones and Minerals Authors: Sinkankas, J. Publisher: Geoscience Press, Inc., Tucson, AZ Year: 1988 ISBN 0945005008 Description: John Sinkankas is a well known author of many books on gemstones and minerals. This books serves as a very useful guide for locating and identifying mineral and gemstone deposits. In addition, this book provides information on field trip preparation. Very useful are instructions on properly extracting, trimming, cleaning, preserving, storing, and displaying specimens. Chapters outline the use and types of tools, safety precautions, and mineral identification. The collector will also appreciate the discussion on the formation of mineral deposits and marketing mineral specimens and gemstones. Illustrated with photographs and drawings. A highly recommended book for collectors.
	Dana's New Mineralogy The System of Mineralogy of James Dwight Dana and Edward Salisbury Dana Authors: By Gaines, R., Skinner, H., Foord, E., Mason, B., and Rosenzweig, A. Publisher: John Wiley and Sons, Inc., NY Year: 1997 (8th Edition) ISBN 0471193100 Description: This new edition describes more than 3,000 mineral species. It has been completely rewritten and updated to include about 1,500 new minerals that were not described in the previous edition. Each mineral species described includes the species name and varieties, chemical formula, classification, crystaline properties, physical and chemical properties, locality information and other locations of occurrance for the species. Collectors will appreciate the extensive and useful reference section. Illustrations are included. A must-have for any serious collector.
	Mineralogy: Concepts, Descriptions, Determinations Authors: Berry, L.G., and Mason, B. Publisher: W.H. Freeman and Co. Year: 1959 ISBN --- Description: This book was originally used for undergraduate university-level courses in mineralogy. Although published several decades ago, it is still used by some collectors. The fundamentals of mineralogy and crystallography are covered, and some of the more important mineral groups and mineral species are discussed. Black and white photographs and illustrations are included. Beginners will likely find this book a bit too technical. While this book is no longer in print, copies may be obtained through local book traders or merchants specializing in the sale of mineralogical publications. University libraries may also possess copies.
	New Minerals 1995-1999 The Canadian Mineralogist, Special Publication No. 4 Authors: Mandarino, J. Publisher: The Mineralogical Record Year: 2000 ISBN --- Description: This new publication by Joseph Mandarino provides a listing of new minerals approved since the previous 1990-1994 edition. Descriptions of new mineral species include locality of discovery, occurrance, appearance, and physical, chemical and crystallographic properties. An excellent reference for every collector.
	Encyclopedia of Mineral Names Authors: Blackburn, W.H., and Dennen, W.H. Publisher: Mineralogical Association of Canada, Ottawa, Ontario Year: l997 ISBN --- Description: Serious mineral collectors will appreciate this recently published Canadian book. Includes classification and properties for each mineral described. Mineral names listed are IMA approved. More than 3500 minerals described. Includes a feature section on amphiboles.
	Minerals of the World Authors: Schumann, W. Publisher: Sterling Publishing Company, Inc., NY Year: 1992 ISBN 0806985704 Description: This identification guide is different from other guide books on minerals in that mineral specimens are identified by hardness, streak, specific gravity. The book includes the usual basics on mineralogy, including mineral properties such as hardness, colour, luster, etc.), colour photographs and descriptions for several hundred mineral species. This book should not be overlooked by the collector.
	The Complete Book of Micromounting Authors: Wight, Q. Publisher: Mineralogical Record, Inc., Tucson, AZ Year: 1993 ISBN --- Description: This beautiful book looks at the world of microminerals and the hobby of micromounting. The book discusses the history of micromounting, and it covers methods of collecting and preparing microminerals, how to mount specimens and methods of convervation. The book includes information on tools and equipment (such as microscopes). Colour photographs enhance this book. Highly recommended for micromounters.
	Minerals in Thin Section Authors: Perkins, D. and Henke, K.R. Publisher: Prentice Hall Year: 2000 ISBN 0-13-010997-5 Description: If you want to learn how to identify minerals using a polarizing microscope, this is the very best book [Blair Batty].
	Monteregian Treasures The Minerals of Mont Saint-Hilaire, Quebec, Canada Authors: Mandarino, J.A., and Anderson, V. Publisher: Cambridge University Press, NY Year: 1989 ISBN 052132632X Description: This book focuses on the world-famous Mont Saint-Hilaire locality in Quebec and includes beautiful colour photographs of some of the fine mineral specimens found at this locality. Those who collect minerals from this locality will find this book an excellent resource.

Top of Page