Stones: Their Collection, Identification, and Uses

This is certainly an excellent and handy introductory reference for anyone wanting to get into rock collecting. Clear and easy to read, the book provides a wealth of information, and has a number of illustrations. These illustrations are, however, black & white; there are no photos in this book. Nevertheless, an excellent book.

Now in an updated and expanded second edition, R.V. Dietrich's Stones: The Collection, Identification, And Uses continues to be a superb introductory guide for collectors with invaluable advice on where to find stones as well as information on how they are formed, how they can be used, why they vary in color, some are smooth while others rough, some nearly round and others all sorts of shapes. Specifically designed for easy reference, this pocket sized paperback is ideal for knapsack or jacket and offers handy identification tables for commonly found minerals and rocks. The informative text is enhanced with line drawing, an extensive glossary, and lists of suggested readings for further study. Stones is a wonderfully accessible primer, ideal for the non-specialist general reader with an interest in collecting and identifying rocks and minerals while camping or collecting.