Collecting Rocks, Gems and Minerals: Identification, Values and Lapidary Uses

by Patti Polk

Unlike the dense and highly technical academic tomes that are text-heavy, poorly organized and intimidating, this colorful and easy-to-use reference guide dedicated to collecting rocks, gems and minerals is ideal for readers who want to expand their understanding without getting lost in a labyrinth of science. Beautifully illustrated with 700 color photographs providing wonderful detail and smartly organized to take the hassle out identification, you will enjoy the simplicity of the guide and the enthusiasm and knowledge of author Patti Polk, one of the top agate collectors in the world and a self-proclaimed "rockhound." You will also enjoy two areas that our competitors don't bother with. First it includes values, and second, it covers an introduction to lapidary, which is the cutting and polishing of rocks and gemstones for jewelry or display.

Genres: Science, Nonfiction, Geology, Gemstones, Reference

353 pages, Kindle Edition

First published April 15, 2010

Reviews

[Ro · Rating 4 out of 5]

When I was little my parents gave me a rock collection sampler. It had about 2 dozen compartments with labeled rock samples and a booklet that talked about the properties of each one. I remember thinking that rose quartz was quite lovely, as was the bright yellow sulfur sample. I don't remember actually reading the booklet -- I think I was too young-- but I remember the rocks and I have always liked collecting stones on my travels, I have jars of rocks collected on beaches and I love stone jewelry.

This book is like having the Academy of Sciences rock museum on my Kindle and my Chromebook. It is a neat reference with pictures, a rock solid glossary, and bibliography. It inspires me to examine my jam jats of stones and do some rock taxonomy.

[Katie · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is more of a reference book than a reading book, but as a reference book is it really poorly organized. Beginners particularly might be lost as the glossery is rather poor. Throughout the book that author refers to crystal structures and the Mohs scale which are explained on page 183. I had just enough knowledge to get some information from the book, but not enough to completely understand some of the distinctions the author was trying to make between specimens. This was definitely aimed at a more experienced user.

[Cheryl Davis]

Great reference book!

[Flower · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great book 2010.