Guide to Minerals, Rocks & Fossils

Science News, August 13, 2005

GUIDE TO MINERALS, ROCKS & FOSSILS

A.C. BISHOP, A.R. WOOLLEY, AND W.R. HAMILTON

This field guide provides in-depth descriptions and color photos that will aid readers trying to identify minerals, rocks, and fossils. The introduction includes safety tips for collection, advice on housing a collection, and sources of further information. The body of the book is divided into three parts, covering minerals, rocks from meteorites to tektites, and fossils. The first section includes chemical formulas for minerals and lists their physical properties. The rocks section contains information on each type's structure, mineral content, and typical physical relationship to other types. The fossil section presents details on fossilized animals and plants, their typical locations, and a geological time line. This guide should be useful for amateur geologists, rock and fossil collectors, and specialists in these areas. Firefly Books, 2005, 336 p., b&w illus, and color photos, paperback, $19.95.