Watcher Guide: Rocks, Minerals and Gems - Softcover

John Farndon

Softcover

ISBN 10: 1784935352 ISBN 13: 9781784935351

Publisher: QED PUBLISHING, 2016

Synopsis

This is a definitive full color guide for young readers. It includes an introduction to rocks, minerals and gems and how they form, how and where to look for them, how to identify rocks and minerals, and everything there is to know about building a collection.

Packed with fun facts and practical activities, the book features high-definition color photography and data keys that show noteworthy qualities of each specimen in extraordinary detail.

"Rocks, Minerals and Gems" shows how to read the landscape for clues and identify different rock types -- from dazzling diamonds to grainy sandstone. It describes fascinating facts and data boxes provide short facts to help with quick identification.

Earth's most precious rocks, minerals and gems can be anywhere and everywhere in the world -- from riverbeds to beaches, cliff faces to fields. The only equipment needed is a backpack, a smartphone and some good walking shoes -- and maybe a small bag to carry home the treasure.

About this title

About the Author

John Farndon is the author of hundreds of books, including Stuff You Need to Know! and the award-winning Do Not Open! Many of his books focus on popular science, nature, and environmental issues. His Practical Encyclopedia of Rocks and Minerals is widely used as a reference work by geologists.

Review

This attractive source of information about rocks, minerals, and gems begins with an introduction to the rock cycle. Next come some practical tips for rock hunting, followed by four sections on recognizing many rocks and minerals. The graphics are of high quality, many on a dramatic black background. The gems on the cover even sparkle! Although the edition reviewed here is technically a paperback, the stiffer than usual cover material seems like it will hold up to rigorous use. Includes glossary and index... Recommend to patrons from grades 4-7 for reports or for browsing. (Mary Melaugh Youth Services Book Review 2017-01-22)

This book serves as an introduction to gemology and rock collection and a field guide to help new rock collecting enthusiasts get started. Fundamental geological concepts are presented in the opening pages before more specific information is offered on the types of rocks and how they are formed. In addition, detailed photographs and descriptions of hundred of types of rocks, minerals, and gems are included and are suitable for identification purposes. Readers are encouraged to note characteristics of specimens and to observe their properties using specific scientific criteria. Not only that, but tips abound for the new hobbyist, covering topics such as how to start a rock collection, what to include in a toolkit, where to look for specimens, and how to classify and value discoveries. Plenty of practical skills, such as reading a geological map and analyzing debris, are described. Highly detailed and methodologically sound, the book is a quality introduction to geology and to applying
scientific principles in practical settings. (Erin Anderson Booklist 2016-11-15)

Edition details

• Publisher: QED PUBLISHING
• Publication date: 2016
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 1784935352
• ISBN 13: 9781784935351
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 120