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Rock and Mineral Books

Learn about rocks and minerals with these great books!

We have a nice selection of over 50 books to choose from - there's something for everyone, from the amateur rockhound to the professional geologist. Please browse our selection below.

We also have separate sections for the Roadside Geology series and books about Gemstones, Fossils, Finding Gold, and General Geology.


Mineral Books   Regional Mineral and Gem Guides
Rock and Mineral Books   Rockhounding Books by State
Fee Mining Guides   Gem Trails by State

Books About Minerals



Collecting Fluorescent Minerals
by Stuart Schneider

Only $29.99
An introduction to fluorescent minerals, types of fluorescence, collecting methods and localities, light sources, hundreds of breathtaking photos in both daylight and UV light!   More information, table of contents.


The World of Fluorescent Minerals
by Stuart Schneider

Only $29.99
An introduction to fluorescent minerals, types of fluorescence, light sources, activators, extensive identification guide with photos, how to find fluorescent minerals and much more. This book is a 8 1/2" x 11" paperback with 192 pages.   More information, table of contents.


Minerals: A Firefly Guide
by Alessandro Guastoni and Roberto Appiani

Only $24.99
"A comprehensive illustrated guide to the forms, physical properties, classification and study of minerals from around the world. More than 400 photos, tables, charts, glossary, bibliography and informative descriptions of 288 minerals."   More information, table of contents.


Simon and Schuster's Guide to Rocks and Minerals
by Annibale Mottana, Rodolfo Crespi and Giuseppe Liborio. Edited by Martin Prinz, George Harlow and Joseph Peters, The American Museum of Natural History.

Only $21.99
"An easy-to-use field guide, with more than 1,000 spectacular illustrations - 600 in full color."   More information, table of contents.


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Rock and Mineral Books



Rocks and Minerals - Smithsonian Handbook
by Chris Pellant and Helen Pellant

Only $19.99
A great book for reading or reference, this handy (5 5/8" x 8 1/2") book by Chris Pellant and Helen Pellant presents interesting facts with full-color photos of hundreds of different rocks and minerals. Contains 256 pages, a glossary, identification guides, and index.   More information, table of contents.


Guide To Minerals, Rocks & Gems
by Rupert Hochleitner

Only $19.99
An identification and reference guide to over 350 minerals, rocks, and gems. This book is a 4 1/2" x 7 5/8" paperback with 254 pages, and there are multiple color photos on practically every page. Minerals are organized by their streak color. A nice introduction for the beginner, or a handy reference for the experienced person.   More information, table of contents.


Rock and Gem - Smithsonian Guidebook
by Ronald Louis Bonewitz

Only $26.99
A great book for reading, reference or exploring. This textbook-size (7" x 9.25") guidebook by Ronald Louis Bonewitz presents interesting facts about hundreds of different rocks, gems, minerals and fossils. Contains 360 pages with hundreds of full-color illustrations and index. This book is REALLY nice!   More information, table of contents.


National Audubon Society Field Guide to Rocks and Minerals
by Charles W. Chesterman

Only $24.99
An introduction to minerals with photos and descriptions designed to aid you in field or at home study. A comprehensive reference with hundreds of photos. Durable plastic covers. 4" x 7 3/4", 856 pages.   More information, table of contents.


Rocks and Minerals - Peterson Field Guide Series
by Frederick H. Pough

Only $24.99
An introduction to rocks and minerals with detailed photos, description and identification information. Sponsored by the National Audubon Society, the National Wildlife Federation, and the Roger Tory Peterson Institute. This book is a 4 1/2" x 7 1/4" paperback with 401 pages.   More information, table of contents.


Minerals of the World - Princeton Field Guides
by Ole Johnsen

Temporarily
Sold Out
Information on over 500 minerals, complete with detailed color photographs, crystallographic diagrams, physical and chemical properties, and much more.   More information, table of contents.


Geodes: Nature's Treasures
by Brad L. Cross and June Culp Zeitner

Only $21.99
What are geodes? How do they form? Where can they be found? How to open them and collect them. Heavily illustrated with beautiful specimens. This book is a 7" x 9" paperback with 292 pages.   More information, table of contents.


Agates: Treasures of the Earth
by Roger Pabian with Brian Jackson, Peter Tandy and John Cromartie

Only $19.99
A beautifully illustrated book that will help you learn all about agates, their properties, famous agate localities around the world and more. This book is a 6" x 8 1/4" paperback with 184 pages.   More information, table of contents.


The Practical Geologist
by Dougal Dixon

Only $19.99
"The introductory guide to the basics of geology and to collecting and identifying rocks." Loaded with illustrations and full-color diagrams, photos, pictures, and sketches. Discover what Earth science is all about with this popular book!   More information, table of contents.


Dictionary of Geological Terms
Edited by Robert L. Bates and Julia A. Jackson

Only $19.99
All scientific disciplines have an essential vocabulary that students and professionals must understand to learn and communicate effectively. A geology dictionary that is used regularly is one of the most important tools for developing professional competence. A good dictionary should be on the desk of every geologist and within easy reach. This dictionary is compact and inexpensive at only $19.99.   More information.

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Fee Mining Guides



Fee Mining and Rockhounding Adventures in the West
by James Martin Monaco and Jeannette Hathaway Monaco

Only $17.99
A directory to fee-mining for rocks, minerals, fossils, gold and treasure in the western U.S. Rockhounding sites, caves, gold prospecting, mines, festivals, museums, and more.   More information, table of contents.


Fee Mining and Mineral Adventures in the Eastern U.S.
by James Martin Monaco and Jeannette Hathaway Monaco

Only $17.99
A directory to fee-mining for rocks, minerals, fossils, gold and treasure in the eastern U.S. Mineral sites, caves, gold prospecting, mines, festivals, museums, and more.   More information, table of contents.


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Regional Mineral and Gem Guides



Northwest Treasure Hunter's Gem and Mineral Guide
by Kathy J. Rygle and Stephen F. Pedersen

Only $16.99
Where and How to Dig, Pan and Mine Your Own Gems and Minerals: Volume 1: Northwest States.   More information, table of contents.



Southwest Treasure Hunter's Gem and Mineral Guide
by Kathy J. Rygle and Stephen F. Pedersen

Only $19.99
Where and How to Dig, Pan and Mine Your Own Gems and Minerals: Volume 2: Southwest States.   More information, table of contents.



Southeast Treasure Hunter's Gem and Mineral Guide
by Kathy J. Rygle and Stephen F. Pedersen

Only $16.99
Where and How to Dig, Pan and Mine Your Own Gems and Minerals: Volume 3: Southeast States.   More information, table of contents.



Northeast Treasure Hunter's Gem and Mineral Guide
by Kathy J. Rygle and Stephen F. Pedersen

Only $16.99
Where and How to Dig, Pan and Mine Your Own Gems and Minerals: Volume 4: Northeast States.   More information, table of contents.


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Rockhounding Books by State



The Rockhound's Handbook
by James R. Mitchell

Only $17.99
An introduction to rockhounding with basic geology, mineral and fossil identification, color photos, field methods and much more. Revised, expanded second edition. This book is a 6" x 9" paperback with 304 pages.   More information, table of contents.


Rockhounding Alaska
by Montana Hodges

Only $24.99
A field guide to some of the state's best rockhounding sites! A 6" x 9" paperback with 247 pages of descriptions, maps, and photos. Second edition.   More information, table of contents.



Rockhounding Arizona
by Gerry Blair

Only $18.99
A field guide to some of the state's best rockhounding sites! A 6" x 9" paperback with 219 pages of descriptions, maps, and photos. Second edition.   More information, table of contents.



Rockhounding California
by Gail A. Butler

Only $16.99
A field guide to some of the state's best rockhounding sites! This book is a 6" x 9" paperback with 228 pages of descriptions, maps, and photos. Second edition.   More information, table of contents.



Rockhounding Colorado
by William A. Kappele

Only $19.99
A field guide to some of the state's best rockhounding sites! Third edition, revised by Gary Warren. This book is a 6" x 9" paperback with 237 pages of descriptions, maps, and photos.   More information, table of contents.


Rockhounding Delaware, Maryland, and the Washington, DC Metro Area
by Robert Beard

Only $21.99
A field guide to some of the region's best rockhounding sites! This book is a 6" x 9" paperback with 244 pages of descriptions, maps, and photos.   More information, table of contents.



Rockhounding Idaho
by Garret Romaine

Only $22.99
A field guide to some of the state's best rockhounding sites! This book is a 6" x 9" paperback with 285 pages of descriptions, maps, and photos. Second edition.   More information, table of contents.



Rockhounding Montana
by Montana Hodges and Robert Feldman

Only $18.99
A field guide to some of the state's best rockhounding sites! Second edition. This book is a 6" x 9" paperback with 220 pages of descriptions, maps, and photos.   More information, table of contents.


Rockhounding Nevada
by William A. Kappele and Gary Warren

Only $22.99
A field guide to some of the state's best rockhounding sites! This book is a 6" x 9" paperback with 250 pages of descriptions, maps, and photos. Revised third edition.   More information, table of contents.



Rockhounding New England
by Peter Cristofono

Only $24.99
A field guide to some of the region's best rockhounding sites! This book is a 6" x 9" paperback with 330 pages of descriptions, maps, and photos. Second edition.   More information, table of contents.



Rockhounding New Mexico
by Ruta Vaskys and Martin Freed

Only $17.99
A field guide to some of the state's best rockhounding sites! This book is a 6" x 9" paperback with 260 pages of descriptions, maps, and photos.   More information, table of contents.



Rockhounding New York
by Robert Beard

Only $24.99
A field guide to some of the New York's best rockhounding sites! This book is a 6" x 9" paperback with 277 pages of descriptions, maps, and photos.   More information, table of contents.



Rockhounding Oregon
by Lars W. Johnson

Only $19.99
A field guide to some of the state's best rockhounding sites! This book is a 6" x 9" paperback with 280 pages of descriptions, maps, and photos.   More information, table of contents.



Rockhounding Pennsylvania and New Jersey
by Robert Beard

Only $21.99
A field guide to some of the states' best rockhounding sites! This book is a 6" x 9" paperback with 277 pages of descriptions, maps, and photos.   More information, table of contents.



Rockhounding Utah
by Gary Warren and William A. Kappele

Only $22.99
A field guide to some of the state's best rockhounding sites! This book is a 6" x 9" paperback with 205 pages of descriptions, maps, and photos. Revised third edition.   More information, table of contents.



Rockhounding Virginia
by Robert Beard

Only $22.99
A field guide to some of the state's best rockhounding sites! This book is a 6" x 9" paperback with 216 pages of descriptions, maps, and photos.   More information, table of contents.



Rockhounding Wisconsin
by Robert Beard

Only $24.99
A field guide to some of the state's best rockhounding sites! This book is a 6" x 9" paperback with 288 pages of descriptions, maps, and photos.   More information, table of contents.



Rockhounding Wyoming
by Kenneth Graham

Only $19.99
A field guide to some of the state's best rockhounding sites! This book is a 6" x 9" paperback with 246 pages of descriptions, maps, and photos. Second edition.   More information, table of contents.


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Gem Trails by State



Gem Trails of Arizona
by James R. Mitchell

Only $16.99
Visit the places where experienced rock and mineral collectors have found success! Detailed descriptions, photos and maps guide you to some of the best gem collecting sites in the state.   More information, table of contents.


Gem Trails of Colorado
by James R. Mitchell

Only $14.99
Visit the places where experienced rock and mineral collectors have found success! Detailed descriptions, photos and maps guide you to some of the best gem collecting sites in the state.   More information, table of contents.


Gem Trails of Idaho and Western Montana
by Lanny Ream

Only $16.99
Visit the places where experienced rock and mineral collectors have found success! Detailed descriptions, photos and maps guide you to some of the best gem collecting sites in Idaho and western Montana.   More information, table of contents.


Gem Trails of Nevada
by James R. Mitchell

Temporarily
Sold Out
Visit the places where experienced rock and mineral collectors have found success! Detailed descriptions, photos and maps guide you to some of the best gem collecting sites in the state.   More information, table of contents.


Gem Trails of New Mexico
by James R. Mitchell

Temporarily
Sold Out
Visit the places where experienced rock and mineral collectors have found success! Detailed descriptions, photos and maps guide you to some of the best gem collecting sites in the state.   More information, table of contents.


Gem Trails of Northern California
by Garret Romaine

Only $21.99
Visit the places where experienced rock and mineral collectors have found success! Detailed descriptions, photos and maps guide you to some of the best gem collecting sites in the state. Third edition.   More information, table of contents.


Gem Trails of Southern California
by Otie Braden

Only $15.99
Visit the places where experienced rock and mineral collectors have found success! Detailed descriptions, photos and maps guide you to some of the best gem collecting sites in the state.   More information, table of contents.


Gem Trails of Texas
by Brad L. Cross

Temporarily
Sold Out
Visit the places where experienced rock and mineral collectors have found success! Detailed descriptions, photos and maps guide you to some of the best gem collecting sites in the state.   More information, table of contents.


Gem Trails of Oregon
by Garret Romaine

Only $16.99
Visit the places where experienced rock and mineral collectors have found success! Detailed descriptions, photos and maps guide you to some of the best gem collecting sites in the state.   More information, table of contents.


Gem Trails of Utah
by James R. Mitchell

Temporarily
Sold Out
Visit the places where experienced rock and mineral collectors have found success! Detailed descriptions, photos and maps guide you to some of the best gem collecting sites in the state.   More information, table of contents.


Gem Trails of Washington
by Garret Romaine

Only $19.99
Visit the places where experienced rock and mineral collectors have found success! Details on 100 collecting sites, each with a map, directions, and GPS coordinates. Second edition.   More information, table of contents.


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