Minerals of the World (Princeton Field Guides) |  | Author: Ole Johnsen
Publisher: Princeton University Press
Category: Book
List Price: $26.95
Buy New: $17.79
as of 9/8/2010 06:42 CDT details
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Seller: Amazon.com
Rating:  3 reviews
Media: Paperback
Pages: 440
Number Of Items: 1
Shipping Weight (lbs): 1.7
Dimensions (in): 7.9 x 5.7 x 1
ISBN: 069109537X
Dewey Decimal Number: 549
EAN: 9780691095370
Availability: Usually ships in 24 hours
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Product Description
Minerals of the World is an attractive and up-to-date guide to more than 500 minerals from around the world. The succinct text--covering crystallography, properties, names and varieties, structure, diagnostic features, and occurrence--and the discussion of less common minerals not found in other guides make this an invaluable resource. With over 600 exquisite color photographs and crystallographic diagrams, this book is unequalled. It is set to become the field guide of choice for mineral collectors and students of mineralogy. - The most up-to-date popular guide to minerals available
- Text covers crystallography, physical properties, chemical properties, names and varieties, diagnostic features, and occurrence
- More than 500 minerals treated with examples from around the world
- More than 600 superb color photographs and crystallographic diagrams
- Tabular overview of common minerals and their properties
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| Customer Reviews:
 little-known guide outshines the others October 4, 2005
Jeffrey O. Shallit (Kitchener, Ontario Canada)
8 out of 8 found this review helpful
This little-known, beautiful 439-page guide is one of my favorites, mainly because of the photography. More than 500 minerals are described, and there are 600 color photographs. Unlike some other guides, the color reproduction is wonderful, and the photos are large (some as big as 3" by 5") and clear.
This is more of a "guide to take with you to mineral shows" rather than a field guide. Minerals from all over the world are covered, including interesting rarities such as whewellite, tugtupite, kaemmererite, and cavansite.
I did find a few minor errors. On page 233, for example, the Yukon is described as being in the US (it's in Canada). But generally speaking, the text is well-written and understandable.
Definitely recommended. I'd choose this guide over the Simon and Schuster guide any day.
If you only want one book as a mineral reference then this it. August 12, 2010
Paul W. Pohwat (Hyattsville, MD, US)
This book is one I heartily recommend to any mineral collector or geology student looking for an easily understood overview of minerals and their physical properties. The clear and concise explanations of mineral properties are an excellent introduction to the basics of mineral identification. The descriptive mineralogy is superb, not overly long and stressing the most important mineral groups and species. The mix of common and rare minerals is sure to be an asset to the tyro and the seasoned collector alike. The photographs are, for the most part, well executed and the color reproduction is of the highest quality. The book is printed on high quality paper and the font used to print the text is easy to read. Overall the publishers are to be congratulated on producing a high quality product for such a bargain price. An added bonus for mineral collectors is the fact that all the specimens illustrated in the book are in the collection of the Geological Museum in Copenhagen, Denmark. So not only are you learning the basics you are also getting a mini tour of that fine collection in one inexpensive, well produced volume. Paraphrasing the late, great Neil Yedlin - buy and use this very accessable book.
 Best arm chair guide in years September 3, 2006
PTSideshow (Macomb County Michigan)
6 out of 7 found this review helpful
With close to 4000 or so minerals to pick from this one probably covers the more common forms that one might run into at a show or display. It isn't a guide for lugging on an outing due to the world wide coverage.
The sections on Crystallography with its systems and properties of crystal are readable with out the heavy lid condition I remember from college and other mineral books years ago.
The mineral descriptions are grouped according to type with out regard to what section of the world they are found in.
The addition of the tables of minerals and their properties along with the other info and a good glossary round out the book.
The color photos are breath taking, they give the mineral center stage. They all have the size of the specimen in metric. Also the where the sample is from. At the start of each mineral grouping they give a crystallographic diagrams. For the mineral they list the name, chemical form, crystallography, physical properties, chemical properties, names and varieties, occurrence,use and diagnostic features.
Being the book is translated into English there are some minor mistakes that one can over look due to all the other outstanding features of the book. I have enjoyed reading it and still pick it up and page thru it till something catches my eye.
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