Rocks, Minerals & Fossils of the World

It's such a shame this book went out of print because the photographs in it are stunning and exactly what you need for field recognition. The big size was probably it's undoing but at second hand prices it's a great buy despite it's age.

You can throw away those rock and mineral guides you've been collecting through the years; this well-written and well-thought out guide makes them pale and obsolete. I bought this for myself, then needed another one for a young niece who was captivated by its straightforward style and unbelievable photos. It is clean and organized and easy to use as a reference. It would also make a great text for self-education as it places rocks and minerals in context, including photos and descriptions of famous cliffs, sills, and other geologic formations around the world.