UNITED STATES
DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
U.S. Geological Survey
Reston, Virginia 20192
Selected References On Rocks, Minerals, And Gemstones
October 1994
Items on this list have been selected for scientific accuracy, general interest, and availability. They emphasize
geology, location, and identification of rocks, minerals, and gemstones. Many can be found in public or school
libraries, or can be ordered from the publisher or from book dealers. Some of the older publications may no
longer be in print and can only be obtained through libraries on interlibrary loan. Further information on
availability and price can be obtained from the publisher listed or from book dealers.
The list consists of four sections:
- I. Guidebooks and reference books for collectors.
- II. Educational references for all ages, elementary school to adult.
- III. Audiovisual - videos, computer software, and posters.
- IV. Periodicals.
I. Guidebooks And Reference Books For Collectors
Anderson, B.W., 1990, GEM TESTING (10th ed., revised): Stoneham, Massachusetts, Butterworths
Heinemann, 384 p. (Advanced)
- Describes advanced techniques for identifying cut gemstones.
Anthony, J.W., and others, 1990, HANDBOOK OF MINERALOGY, VOLUME I, ELEMENTS, SULFIDES, AND
SULFOSALTS: Tucson, Arizona, Mineral Data Publishing, 588 p.
- The first of a planned five volume series intended to gather data and references to
identify and define all mineral species. Arranged alphabetically by mineral name, it
provides chemical formulae, crystal data, physical and optical properties, environments
for occurrence, associated minerals, and geographic distribution.
Arem, J.E., 1987, COLOR ENCYCLOPEDIA OF GEMSTONES (2d ed.): New York, Van Nostrand Reinhold,
288 p.
- Provides data and color photos for all minerals that have been cut as gems. Includes
chemistry, physical properties, occurrence, rarity, and market potential. Synthetic gems
are also discussed.
Arem, J.E., 1991, ROCKS AND MINERALS: Phoenix, Arizona, Geoscience Press, 160 p.
- Field guide intended to assist the beginner in identifying common specimens. Contains
a section on basic mineralogy, identification techniques, and definitions. Includes
information on physical properties, crystal shapes, chemistry, optical properties, and
color photos for over two hundred rocks and minerals. Geographic locations of
occurrence are also provided. Includes a chapter on gems.
Barker, R.M., 1972 (reprinted 1993), COLLECTING ROCKS: U.S. Geological Survey General Interest
Publication, 11 p. Available from U.S. Geological Survey, Branch of Distribution, P.O. Box 25286 Federal
Center, Denver, Colorado 80225. Free.
- Brief discussion of major types of rocks, how they form, and where to find them.
Provides hints on collecting and identifying rocks.
Chesterman, C.W., 1979, THE AUDUBON SOCIETY FIELD GUIDE TO NORTH AMERICAN ROCKS AND
MINERALS: New York, Alfred A. Knopf, 850 p.
- Describes physical properties and identification for over 270 rocks and minerals.
Contains over 800 color photos. Also includes sections on sites for locating quality
specimens, mineral collecting, and a glossary.
Clark, A.M., 1993, HEY'S MINERAL INDEX--MINERAL SPECIES, VARIETIES, AND SYNONYMS (3d ed.):
New York, Chapman and Hall, 852 p.
- An alphabetical index of all recognized mineral species. Provides chemical formulae,
crystal data, references to initial description, and type localities where known. Derivation
of mineral names and discrimination from other species is also discussed.
Dietrich, R.V., 1989, STONES--THEIR COLLECTION, IDENTIFICATION, AND USES (revised edition):
Phoenix, Arizona, Geoscience Press, 208 p.
- Discusses where to find various types of stones and how to identify and collect them.
The effect of geologic processes on stones and the origin of stones' parent rocks are
also described.
Eckert, A.W., 1987, EARTH TREASURES: New York, Harper and Row, 4 volumes.
- Describes where to collect minerals, rocks, and fossils in the United States; Vol. 1 --
Northeastern quadrant, Vol. 2 -- Southeastern quadrant, Vol. 3 -- Northwestern quadrant,
Vol. 4 -- Southwestern quadrant.
Ettinger, L.J., 1993, THE ROCKHOUND AND PROSPECTOR'S BIBLE--A REFERENCE AND STUDY GUIDE
TO ROCKS, MINERALS, GEMSTONES, AND PROSPECTING (3d ed): Reno, Nevada, Ettinger,
144 p.
- Intended to instruct rockhounds and prospectors in the basics of rocks and minerals and
their geologic environments.
Fleischer, Michael, and Mandarino, J.A., 1991, GLOSSARY OF MINERAL SPECIES (6th ed.): Tucson,
Arizona, Mineralogical Record, 234 p.
- An alphabetical listing of over 3500 valid mineral species. Provides chemical formulae,
crystallography, classification, and date of first description for each entry. It is intended
as a compendium of valid mineral names and their correct spellings.
Headstrom, Richard, 1985, SUBURBAN GEOLOGY--AN INTRODUCTION TO THE COMMON ROCKS AND
MINERALS OF YOUR BACK YARD AND LOCAL PARK: New York, Simon and Schuster Trade, 136 p.
- Beginning guide on how to identify and collect rocks and minerals. Intended to help the
reader understand basic geology and the physical surroundings.
Johnson, H.C., 1973, WESTERN GEM HUNTER'S ATLAS: Susanville, California, Cy Johnson and Sons, 79
p.
- Includes maps covering most of the western United States which show hundreds of
collecting sites.
Johnson, H.C., and Johnson, R.N., 1987, COAST TO COAST GEM ATLAS: Susanville, California, Cy Johnson
and Sons, 60 p.
- Book of maps which shows locations of mineral sites for the entire United States.
Kindler, C.E., 1986, DIG IT! A DIRECTORY OF FEE-BASIS ROCK COLLECTING SITES OPEN TO
AMATEURS (7th ed.): Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, published by Carol E. Kindler, 38 p.
Lapidary Journal, annual, APRIL BUYER'S GUIDE ISSUE: Devon, Pennsylvania. Lapidary Journal. Available
from: Lapidary Journal, P.O. Box 1100, Devon, Pennsylvania 19333-0905.
- Contains rockhound dealer list, product index, mineral-collecting articles, and a list of
gem and mineral clubs.
Lyman, Kennie, ed., 1986, SIMON AND SCHUSTER'S GUIDE TO GEMS AND PRECIOUS STONES: New
York, Simon and Schuster Trade, 385 p.
- Contains hundreds of descriptions and color photographs.
Matlins, A.L., and Bonanno, A.C., 1989, GEM IDENTIFICATION MADE EASY--A HANDS-ON GUIDE TO
MORE CONFIDENT BUYING AND SELLING: New York, Van Nostrand, 304 p.
- Describes how to identify most common gemstones using three simple pocket
instruments. Includes tables on gemstone properties, lists of testing laboratories,
international associations, and suppliers of gem instruments.
Nickel, E.H., and Nichols, M.C., 1991, MINERAL REFERENCE MANUAL: New York, Van Nostrand Reinhold,
250 p.
- An alphabetical listing of all valid mineral species including name, type locality, chemical
formulae, physical properties, crystallography, classification, related species, author and
date of first description. Also includes entries for minerals that have been discredited.
Status is indicated for each entry. Compiled from Nickel and Nichols MINERAL--A
MINERAL REFERENCE BOOK FOR THE IBM PC, listed under "Audiovisual" section
of this list.
O'Donoghue, Michael, 1988, GEMSTONES: New York, Chapman Hall, 500 p.
- Describes organic and inorganic gemstones. Also includes information on formation of
gemstones, crystal structure, simple and sophisticated methods of testing, and origin of
gem colors.
Prinz, Martin, and others, eds., 1977, SIMON AND SCHUSTER'S GUIDE TO ROCKS AND MINERALS: New
York, Simon and Schuster, 608 p.
- Field guide intended as a reference to assist beginners and advanced collectors in
identification of specimens. Includes hundreds of color photos.
Read, P. G., 1988, DICTIONARY OF GEMMOLOGY (2d ed.): Stoneham, Massachusetts, Butterworths
Heinemann, 256 p.
Robbins, M.A., 1983, THE COLLECTOR'S BOOK OF FLUORESCENT MINERALS: New York, Van Nostrand
Reinhold, 320 p.
- Describes important collecting locations in the U.S. for fluorescent minerals. Includes
mineral environment, geography, and species found at the sites. A separate section
describes 230 fluorescent species. Also provides information on collecting, storing, and
identification specific to fluorescent minerals.
Roberts, W.L., and others, 1990, ENCYCLOPEDIA OF MINERALS (2d ed.): New York, Van Nostrand
Reinhold, 979 p.
- Alphabetical listing of all accepted mineral species. Includes chemical formulae,
physical and optical properties, crystallography, mode of occurrence, and alternate
names. Includes a section of color photos.
identification specific to fluorescent minerals.
Schumann, Walter, 1977, GEMSTONES OF THE WORLD: New York, Sterling, 256 p.
- Classic reference which includes descriptions and color photos of both common and
rare gemstones.
Schumann, Walter, 1992, MINERALS OF THE WORLD: New York, Sterling, 224 p.
- Guidebook containing descriptions of the physical and chemical properties of minerals,
where they occur, and associated minerals. Includes official and alternate names of
minerals.
Schumann, Walter, 1993, HANDBOOK OF ROCKS, MINERALS, AND GEMSTONES: Boston, Houghton, Mifflin, 384 p.
- Describes origin, structure, chemical composition, and other physical properties for
hundreds of specimens. Includes discussion on basic mineralogy and hundreds of
photos.
Sinkankas, John, 1959, GEMSTONES OF NORTH AMERICA (Volume I): New York, VanNostrand Reinhold,
675 p.
- A classic reference book. Describes physical, chemical, and optical properties of North
American gemstones. Also describes properties that determine the value and
commercial importance of gemstones. Gives localities for each gemstone entry.
Sinkankas, John, 1970, PROSPECTING FOR GEMSTONES AND MINERALS (revised ed.): New York, Van
Nostrand Reinhold, 397 p.
- Includes sections on preparing for collecting trips, using tools, recognizing mineral
deposits, and preparation of specimens.
Sinkankas, John, 1976, GEMSTONES OF NORTH AMERICA (Volume II): New York, Van Nostrand Reinhold,
494 p.
- Update of Volume I, contains information on new sources of gemstones.
Sinkankas, John, 1988, GEMSTONE AND MINERAL DATA BOOK: Phoenix, Arizona, Geoscience Press, 368 p.
- Includes data, formulae, tables, and properties for over 1,000 mineral species. Also
provides instructions on cleaning and preserving specimens.
Sinkankas, John, 1988, FIELD COLLECTING GEMSTONES AND MINERALS: Phoenix, Arizona, Geoscience Press,
416 p.
- Guidebook containing basic information for beginning collectors planning field trips.
U. S. Bureau of Mines, GEMSTONES in MINERALS YEARBOOK (annual). Preprint of current chapter
available from U. S. Bureau of Mines, Publications Office, Cochrans Mill Road, P.O. Box 18070,
Pittsburgh, PA. 15236.
- Provides data on domestic and foreign production, consumption, sources, producers,
technology, prices, and uses.
Webster, Robert, and Anderson, B.W., 1983, GEMS--THEIR SOURCES, DESCRIPTION AND
IDENTIFICATION (4th ed.): Stoneham, Massachusetts, Butterworths Heinemann, 1006 p.
- Contains information on the origin and recovery of gemstones and a series of chapters
with descriptions of various gem materials and methods of identification.
Zeitner, J.C., 1988, MIDWEST GEM, FOSSIL, AND MINERAL TRAILS--GREAT LAKES STATES: Baldwin
Park, California, Gem Guides Books, 96 p.
- Guidebook for beginning collectors. Includes maps of major collecting sites.
Zeitner, J.C., 1989, MIDWEST GEM, FOSSIL, AND MINERAL TRAILS--PRAIRIE STATES: Baldwin Park,
California, Gem Guides Books, 110 p.
- Guidebook for beginning collectors. Includes maps of major collecting sites.
Zucker, Benjamin, 1984, GEMS AND JEWELS--A CONNOISSEUR'S GUIDE: New York, Thames and
Hudson, 248 p.
- Includes information on gem characteristics, major sources of gems and their desirable
qualities.
II. Educational References For All Ages, Elementary School To Adult
The following designations indicate the approximate reading level of each book:
- Primary (grades 1-5)
- Intermediate (junior high)
- General (high school through adult)
Primary Level
Bains, Rae, 1985, ROCKS AND MINERALS: Mahwah, New Jersey, Troll (Venture into Reading Series), 32
p.
- Discusses the three major classes of rocks and includes examples. Includes definition
of a mineral.
Barkan, Joanne, 1990, ROCKS, ROCKS BIG AND SMALL: Englewood Cliffs, New Jersey, Silver Press,
32 p.
- Intended to encourage very young children to study the earth by using their ability to
observe. Introduces basic properties and uses of rocks and minerals.
Podendorf, Illa, 1982, ROCKS AND MINERALS: Chicago, Children's Press, 48 p.
- Introduction to the formation and identification of a variety or rocks and minerals.
Intermediate Level
Cork, Barbara, and Bramwell, Martyn, 1983, UNDERSTANDING AND COLLECTING ROCKS AND FOSSILS:
Tulsa, Oklahoma, Educational Development Corporation, 32 p.
- Guidebook describes how to find and identify common rocks, minerals, and fossils.
Hyler, N.W., 1982, ROCKS AND MINERALS: Los Angeles, Wonder-Treasure Books, Inc., 64 p.
Lutz, Tim, 1990, THE GEM HUNTER'S KIT: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Running Press, 64 p.
- Includes a mass of clay from which students can extract and identify eight mineral
specimens. Booklet answers common questions related to gemstones.
Lye, Keith, 1991, ROCKS, MINERALS, AND FOSSILS: Westwood, New Jersey, Silver Burdett, 48 p.
- Emphasizes study of the earth by observing rocks and minerals that make up rocks.
Woolley, A.R., 1992, SPOTTER'S GUIDE TO ROCKS AND MINERALS: Tulsa, Oklahoma, Educational
Development Corporation, 64 p.
General
Bancroft, Peter, 1984, GEM AND CRYSTAL TREASURES: Fallbrook, California, Western Enterprises,
488 p.
- Picture book that describes mining history and specimens for 100 famous mineral
localities throughout the world.
Dietrich, R.V., and Skinner, B.J., 1990, GEMS, GRANITES, AND GRAVELS--KNOWING AND USING ROCKS
AND MINERALS: New York, Cambridge University Press, 173 p.
- Discussion of minerals, mineral formation, crystallography, ores, and the importance of
minerals to society. Also includes chapters on origins and classification of rocks and the
products of rocks after weathering. Contains a chapter on gems.
Keller, P.C., 1990, GEMSTONES AND THEIR ORIGINS: New York, Van Nostrand Reinhold, 144 p.
- Focuses on the geologic origins of gemstones. Describes the geology, history, mining
methods, and gemstones found for classic deposits representing each type of geologic
origin.
Kunz, G.F., 1967, GEMS AND PRECIOUS STONES OF NORTH AMERICA--A POPULAR DESCRIPTION OF
THEIR OCCURRENCE, VALUE, HISTORY, ARCHAEOLOGY, AND OF THE COLLECTIONS IN WHICH
THEY EXIST: New York, Dover Publishing, 367 p.
- Reprint of a classic work dated 1892.
Medenbach, Olaf, and Wilk, Harry, 1989, THE MAGIC OF MINERALS--110 COLOR PHOTOGRAPHS BY OLAF MEDENBACH: New York, Springer-Verlag, 205 p.
Pough, F.H., 1991, PETERSON FIRST GUIDES--ROCKS AND MINERALS--A SIMPLIFIED FIELD GUIDE TO
COMMON GEMS, ORES, AND OTHER ROCKS AND MINERALS: Boston, Houghton Mifflin, 128 p.
- Provides an introduction to rocks and minerals with discussions on basic geology and on
the most important types of rocks. Also includes descriptions and color photos of over
one hundred common minerals.
Sinkankas, John, 1975, MINERALOGY: New York, Van Nostrand Reinhold, 598 p.
- Classic text on basic principles of mineralogy and crystallography for the layman.
Describes characteristics of mineral specimens.
Smith, J.R., 1991, A GUIDE TO UNDERSTANDING CRYSTALLOGRAPHY: Fairfax, Virginia, Crystallography,
176 p. Available from Crystallography, Dept. A, Box 12, Fairfax, Virginia 22030.
- Provides a basic background in crystallography to amateur mineral collectors.
Sofianides, A.S., and Harlow, G.E., 1990, GEMS AND CRYSTALS FROM THE AMERICAN MUSEUM OF
NATURAL HISTORY: New York, Simon and Schuster, 208 p.
- Color picture book that describes the history, localities, physical and optical properties
and causes of color of a variety of gems and explains how to evaluate them.
Symes, R.F., and Harding, R.R., 1991, CRYSTAL AND GEM: New York, Alfred A. Knopf, 64 p.
- Discusses a variety of crystals, both natural and synthetic. Includes numerous color
photos. Crystal structure is briefly described. Includes a discussion of lore.
U.S. Geological Survey, 1992, NATURAL GEMSTONES: U.S. Geological Survey General Interest Publication,
16 p. Available from U.S. Geological Survey, Branch of Distribution, P.O. Box 25286, Federal Center,
- Denver, Colorado 80225. Free.
Describes basic physical properties of a number of common gemstones.
Woodward, Christine, and Harding, Roger, 1987, GEMSTONES: New York, Sterling, 60 p.
- Color picture book which includes information on the physical properties of gemstones
and discussions of all major and collector gems. Gem occurrences and a world map
showing countries of origin and information on gem identification is also provided.
THE EARTH EXPLORED-103 -- ROCKS AND MINERALS, 1985, 29 minutes, in color, VHS video: Public
Television Videocassette Service, 1320 Braddock Place, Alexandria, Virginia 22314. (High school and
up)
- Shows basic methods of identifying rocks and minerals. Discusses the uses and
importance of minerals in everyday life.
GEMSTONES OF AMERICA, 1991, 60 minutes, in color, VHS video: STS Productions, P.O. Box 27477, Salt
Lake City, Utah 84127. (High school and up)
- Contains footage of currently productive, important gemstone mines in the United States.
Discusses geological origins of a number of gemstone deposits in the U.S. and their
production.
Lof, Peter, compiler, 1983 (reprinted 1988), MINERALS OF THE WORLD: New York, Elsevier Scientific, 86
x 138 cm wall chart.
- Color photographs of mineral specimens, with their names, compositions, and physical
characteristics.
Nickel, E.H., and Nichols, M.C., 1989, MINERAL--A MINERAL REFERENCE BOOK FOR THE IBM PC:
Livermore, California, Aleph Enterprises, 36 p. plus diskettes. Available from Aleph Enterprises,
P.O. Box 213, Livermore, California 94551. Phone (510)443-7319. (Advanced)
- Database of all valid mineral species. Used to compile Nickel and Nichols MINERAL
REFERENCE MANUAL; see "Guidebooks" section of this list. This database is updated
quarterly.
Poulton, Mary, and others, 1992, MINERALS, WHERE AND WHY: Tucson, Arizona, University of Arizona,
three MacIntosh diskettes. Available from Arizona Board of Regents, Bldg. 12, University of Arizona,
Tucson, Arizona 85721. (Grade 5 - adult)
- Provides information and follow-up exercises on the occurrence and uses of minerals.
Requires MacIntosh hard disk with 5.5 megabytes of free space, HyperCard 2.1.
Rock Color Chart Committee, reprinted 1991, ROCK COLOR CHART: Boulder, Colorado, Geological Society
of America, size 5 1/8" by 7 1/2".
- Consists of 115 color chips mounted on six separate sheets. It is intended to help the
user identify the range of rock colors and is based on the Munsell System.
Simmons, W.B., and others, 1989, MINICAT--MINERAL FORMULA DATABASE CATALOGUE, VERSIONS
1.1 AND 3.0: New Orleans, Louisiana, P.C. Geological Systems, P.C. compatible diskettes. Available
from: P.C. Geological Systems, P.O. Box 1288, New Orleans, Louisiana 70148. (Advanced)
- Database of over 3500 mineral species, variants, and synonyms. User can determine
composition by mineral name or search for mineral name by using one or more
elements or radicals in the formula.
Swiss Gemological Institute, 1988, WORLD MAP OF GEM DEPOSITS: Geneva, Switzerland, Swiss
Gemological Institute, scale 1:32,000,000. Available from: Gemological Institute of America Bookstore,
1660 Stewart Street, Santa Monica, California 90404.
- Folded world map, size 50 3/4 " by 36 ". Shows sites worldwide of eleven major
gemstones, unusual collector's gems and ornamental gem materials. Mode of formation
for each deposit is given.
These journals contain information on rocks, minerals and gemstones, collecting areas, rock and mineral
exhibits, club activities, lapidary processes and equipment, jewelry making, and newly published books and
collecting guides.
Gems and Gemology, quarterly: Gemological Institute of America, 1660 Stewart St., Santa Monica, California
90404.
Lapidary Journal, monthly: Lapidary Journal, P. O. Box 1100, Devon, Pennsylvania 19333-0905.
Mineralogical Record, bimonthly: Mineralogical Record, Inc., 7413 N. Mowry Place, Tucson, Arizona 85741.
Rock and Gem, monthly: Miller Magazines, 4880 Market St., Ventura, California 93003.
Rocks and Minerals, bimonthly: Heldref Publications, 1319 Eighteenth Street, N. W., Washington, D. C. 20036-1802.
INSTRUCTIONS FOR OBTAINING U.S. GEOLOGICAL SURVEY PUBLICATIONS
Most Geological Survey book reports and maps are sale items.* Prepayment is required, and should be
by check or money order payable to the U.S. Geological Survey. Items should be clearly identified, and
zip code should be included in customer's address.
BOOK AND MAP PUBLICATIONS
The following U.S. Geological Survey offices sell book and map reports*. Many reports listed as "out of
print" at the Government Printing Office are still available for sale at these offices:
Branch of Information Services
U.S. Geological Survey
Box 25286, Federal Center
Denver, Co 80225
Earth Science Information Centers
U.S. Geological Survey
Phone (800) USA-MAPS for locations
Add $3.50 handling charge to mailed map orders.
Reports in the Circular series and most general interest publications are free for limited distribution. They
may be ordered by mail from the Branch of Information Services or obtained over-the-counter at the
various Earth Science Information Centers.
OPEN-FILE REPORTS
Open-File Reports are sold by mail from:
Branch of Information Services
U.S. Geological Survey
Box 25286, Federal Center
Denver, CO 80225
FOREIGN CUSTOMERS: INTERNATIONAL MONEY ORDER OR CHECK ON U.S. BANK ONLY
payable to U.S. Geological Survey. Prices quoted include cost of domestic surface transportation. For
transmittal outside the United States (except Canada and Mexico) a surcharge of 25% of the net bill
should be included to cover surface transportation.
___________
*Geological Survey publications are held by many reference libraries. They also may be borrowed on
interlibrary loans.
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