Unearth a treasure trove of knowledge and discover the spectacular array of rocks and minerals on Earth Learn how to identify more than 500 rocks and minerals of the world through stunning photographs detailed characteristics and quick accessible text.Inside the pages of this comprehensive guide youll discover A clear visual key distinguishing different rocks and minerals to make identification easy and accurate Each entry includes ataglance technical details for quick reference Stunning photographs show closeups of key details and unique attributes Highlights the key features of minerals chemical group and composition hardness specific gravity crystal cleavage and fracture Highlights the key features of rocks group origin pressure and temperature grain size and shape classification and fossilsFrom igneous metamorphic and sedimentary rocks to sparkling minerals DK Handbooks Rocks amp Minerals leaves no stone unturned. Over 600 highquality photographs highlight over 500 rock or minerals distinguishing features. Explore concise details about each rock or minerals texture origin formation and chemical composition to help you with accurate identification.Updated EditionDiscover a mine of information at your disposal Designed for beginners and experienced collectors alike this mineralogy book explains what rocks and minerals are how they are classified and what equipment is needed for specimen collection. Its the ultimate gift for rock collectors both beginners and enthusiasts or anyone studying geology and earth sciences. An updated edition for 2021 to include the latest scientific knowledge and specimen classification.Complete the SeriesBefore you go there are many more DK Handbooks to explore Discover the cleanestcut photographic field guide to over 130 gemstones from around the world in DK Handbooks Gemstones. Learn all about dinosaurs and prehistoric animals and the world they inhabited millions of years ago in DK Handbooks Dinosaurs.