Minerals, Rocks and Fossils of the World - Hardcover

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.

John Farndon studied Earth science at Cambridge University, UK. Since then he has written a host of books and articles on a wide range of science subjects and has been shortlisted three times for the COPUS Science Book Prize, for books including How the Earth Works by Dorling Kindersley. Steve Parker is a highly experienced author, editor and consultant specializing in information books on the natural world, biology, technology and general sciences.