A Field Guide to Rocks and Minerals

Peterson Field Guides #7

by Frederick H. Pough

This Field Guide has been, and still is, the classic and useful Field Guide. Despite its title, this is mainly oriented toward minerals. Well organized and interestingly written, this is one of the few mineralogy texts which is both readable for enjoyment, and useful to both the beginner and the expert.

Part I includes an introduction on the philosophy and adjuncts of the collecting and study of minerals, briefly reviews geology and its rocks, discusses the physical properties of minerals (such as may be used to help distinguish the various species), introduces crystallography, a chemical classification of minerals written for the layman, and finally Tests, Techniques, and Tips, with many useful down-to-earth hints.

Part II is Mineral Descriptions, each one with name, formula, crystal system, and visual aids in the plates which include both diagrams and photographs. Several headings in each description are in boldface: Environment, Crystal description, Physical properties, Composition, Tests, Distinguishing characteristics, Occurrence, and Interesting Facts. Also includes glossary, bibliography, index. Well organized and accurate, this little book has been used by some amateur mineralogists who, although using several more technical books during years of study, still find this one useful. Although another well-known text is the most commonly used one for college mineralogy courses, I have recommended that students also get a copy of the Field Guide.

For the amateur exercising a bit of Emersonian self-reliance in the testing of his own specimens, this Field Guide is one of the very few remaining guides including good Tests (which have actually been tried before including them) under each species. Appeals to collectors to first try a few tests on extra material before turning specimens over to others such as over-burdened professionals. Also appeals to study some phase of the subject for one's own edification and enjoyment, as one will get as much out of it as he or she puts into it. This Field Guide shows you how. --This text refers to the Hardcover edition.

Genres: Science, Reference, Geology, Nonfiction, Nature, Field Guides, Education

396 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1953

Reviews

[Debbie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I brought this book thinking one day I will get out there and find the beautiful rocks that I absolutely loved, Well, that day never happened! People actually go out digging for the rocks or mining and I can't see myself doing that by myself with all of the weird people out there, trying to kidnapped or murder you. Anyway, the book has 385 color photos, showing rocks and minerals and description of each one. I have kept this book for a very long time.

[Monique · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good rock and mineral guide.

[Jess the Shelf-Declared Bibliophile · Rating 4 out of 5]

I came across the 3rd edition of this book at an antique store. The information was interesting but I can tell the picture quality was much improved in the later versions, hence why I upped the rating.

[Melissa]

It was interesting to read this cover to cover. It brought back earth science from high school, and many terms I had forgotten. I look forward to going to a rock and gem show and seeing what I remember.

[Foxtower · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found this book an excellent resource to learn about and identify rocks and minerals found in the field. I thought to numerous color and b/w photographs were helpful clues, but if you want to identify minerals just with pictures you miss the whole point, for the environment and properties of unknown samples are just as important. That the author includes ways to test samples in the lab is a great bonus far beyond what most field guides offer!

[Lafcadio · Rating 1 out of 5]

This book follows the disappointing Peterson paradigm. There are pictures in the middle section of the book, but half of them are in black and white, and the photos are small and unclear. Opt for Simon and Schuster's book.

[Scott Cox · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an eductional introductory guide (part of the Peterson Field Guide series) to North America rocks and minerals. It is primarily organized by physical properties of minerals, crystal classification, and chemical classifications of minerals in Part I; and descriptions of minerals in Part II.

[Stacy Crandall · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent resources to identify all kinds of rocks and minerals, a few but not many color photographs.

[Don Gubler · Rating 3 out of 5]

Excellent resource for such a huge field.

[Megan Wilson · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was a okay book.

[Joseph · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well done and very useful. One of my favorite of the various field guides I own.

[Steve · Rating 5 out of 5]

An earlier edition was my go to book as a rockhound and was always in my pack on my expeditions.