Explains how to start and organize a rock collection; provides detailed descriptions of hundreds of minerals with information on geographic distribution, physical properties, chemical composition, and crystalline structures; and includes 385 color photographs.

"Sponsored by the National Audubon Society, the National Wildlife Federation, and the Roger Tory Peterson Institute." Map on front endpaper.

An introduction to the study of rocks and minerals : your mineral collection -- Rocks and minerals and where to find them : geographical distribution -- Rock classifications -- Igneous rocks -- Sedimentary rocks -- Metamorphic rocks -- Mineral environments -- Physical properties of minerals : distinguishing characteristics -- Mineral textures and outlines of aggregates -- Crystal classifications : the crystal systems -- Other forms and phenomena -- The chemical classification of minerals -- Tests, techniques, and tips -- Mineral descriptions : elements -- Sulfides and sulfosalts -- Oxides -- Halides -- Carbonates -- Nitrates -- Borates -- Sulfates -- Phosphates, arsenates, vanadates, and uranates -- Tungstates (wolframates) and molybdates -- Silicates -- Silica type -- Disilicate type -- Metasilicate types -- Pyrosilicate type -- Orthosilicate type -- Subsilicate type.