This book is an easy-to-use visual guide in a practical format for use in the field, antique shops, and at fairs. It clearly explains how to identify the material composition of an item and describes the differences between types of metal and pottery. The ability to accurately identify a material allows the finder to use the correct handling, cleaning, and conservation techniques for that item.
This is a good source of information for Archaeologists. It's a rather comprehensive guide to what one might find on a dig, how to identify it, and how to properly preserve it. This will be going with me when I go on digs.