Rocks & Minerals: The Definitive Visual Guide Paperback – 1 Feb. 2008

Yes it's true, the print is very small, just about manageable. But to use larger type would double the size of the book which is already a good size. The photos are excellent and clear, and the amount of learning involved in writing this book is simply phenomenal! Every imaginable rock is included and several varieties of them. And while most geology books seem to assume the reader has a degree in the subject so they understand all the technical terms, this book has a GLOSSARY! Worth buying for that alone. Loads of info about each rock. For example i always wondered why many flint nodules have a white crust - the book tells me it's from weathering. So your questions are probably answered too. It's not bedtime reading as it would never send you to sleep, it's a very comprehensive reference book. Get one and you'll see i'm not exaggerating.

Diagrams are helpful in explaining unfamiliar terms. There is also a glossary. It takes the reader step-by-step from earliest times to present. Includes industrial uses, origin of names, history and microscopic images of materials. Very attractive and colourful. As an adult with no previous knowledge of the subject it is very enjoyable to read.

Lots of good information about rocks and how they are created though planet creation and enviroments. Bought as a present for my daughter, and she loved reading about how the different types of rocks and minerals are created.

It is a splendid book,illustrated with beautiful pictures,but,the text is very small so there need to be a steady hand and much light to make reading possible.

Birthday present and the person couldn't be happier. Excellent for use as reference material and not just for the beginner. Quality excellent and highly recommended

My seven year old is really into crystals at the moment and was so excited to receive this book from santa. She has been reading it on and off and by herself and with me. Really interesting and has fabulous photos and full of information about the formation of the earth, rocks and Crystals.

I bought this book just as an effort to learn more about fossils and all that relate to it.The hardback book i bought is just basically more than i could ask for.It gives you names of rocks,stones and why they are given that name, as well as some info on the person it was named after.As well as the chemical compounds and what they are used for now and in the past.The pictures are fantastic and i keep dipping into this book all the time - just don't buy this book if you have a closed mind.There are probably tons of things i have missed but it really is a fantastic book.

Perfect for our geology homeschool