REFERENCE

The Firefly Guide to Minerals, Rocks & Gems

by Rupert Hochleitner

Firefly. Sept. 2019. 256p. illus. index. ISBN 9780228102281. pap. $19.95. REF

COPY ISBN

Hochleitner’s (deputy director, Mineralogical State Collection Munich) pocket-size field guide is detailed and precise. Arranged by streak color (the residue left when dragging a specimen across an unglazed ceramic plate), it includes abundant, detailed photos of specimens in natural states and, often, close-ups after cutting or polishing, as well as key features for identification. Brief descriptions and information on chemical composition, crystal structure, and location aid in usefulness.

VERDICT Consider for all libraries when updating earth sciences or mineralogy sections.

Reviewed by Maggie Knapp , Nov 01, 2019

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