An Illustrated Guide to Rocks & Minerals

Provides chemical descriptions, composition, occurence, and location for a variety of rocks and minerals, and includes a color photograph of each specimen described

YA-- Outstanding photographs make this a resource not to be missed. The organization and format are logical and easy to follow, moving from the general to the specific. The largest section, though, gives descriptions of each mineral in chemical order. Each entry is described in paragraph form, but gives the basic data such as composition, occurrence, and location. Each is accompanied by an eye-catching, life-size photograph. The writing is accurate and informative. The clear, larger-than-usual type and vivid, full-colored photographs on each page make this a first choice for students with reading or perceptual problems. The content is less detailed than that found in Holden's Encyclopedia of Gemstones and Minerals (Facts on File, 1991), but it is much more attractively presented. The chapter describing various mines around the world provides information that is difficult to locate elsewhere. The annotations and evaluative comments in the bibliography are helpful, but many of the titles are from European publishers. The index is quite specific and includes the technical and common names, mineralogical terms and topics, and countries. A great, user-friendly reference book.
- Juliet Williams, W. T. Woodson High School, Fairfax, VA
Copyright 1993 Reed Business Information, Inc.