Minerals, Rocks and Fossils of the World

This stunning and expert book provides a complete reference for anyone interested in the earth sciences. Each section of the book includes an informative introduction explaining how the phenomena have formed and their major defining characteristics, the habitats in which they are typically found and where the best examples are located around the world. There are step-by-step instructions on simple home testing methods to gauge rock and mineral colour, hardness, cleavage, lustre, tenacity and transparency. The book's major feature is its two extensive visual directories - one on rocks and minerals and one on fossils - containing over 800 in-depth specimen profiles. Each profile features a superb colour photograph for easy identification. Handy information boxes give facts and figures such as type and location, and detailed artworks and reconstructions show the structure-type of rocks, and how each fossil originally looked.