Peterson Field Guide to Rocks and Minerals by Frederick H. Pough

Identify Hundreds of North American Rocks, Minerals & Geological Formations

Take a trusted geological reference into the field with A Peterson Field Guide to Rocks and Minerals by noted mineralogist Frederick H. Pough. This comprehensive guide helps rockhounds, prospectors, students, and mineral collectors recognize and understand the rocks and minerals they encounter throughout North America.

The guide contains 385 color photographs showing rocks, minerals, and geological formations. Detailed descriptions of approximately 270 minerals cover geographic distribution, physical properties, chemical composition, crystalline structure, and other important identification characteristics.

Compact enough for a backpack but detailed enough for serious study, this Peterson Field Guide is a valuable companion for rockhounding trips, prospecting expeditions, mineral shows, classroom work, and identification at home.

Perfect For

• Rockhounds

• Gold prospectors

• Mineral collectors

• Gem hunters

• Geology students

• Teachers

• Homeschool programs

• Lapidary enthusiasts

• Outdoor adventurers

• Nature enthusiasts

• Beginning collectors

• Experienced geologists

• Anyone interested in North American rocks and minerals

What You'll Discover

• How to start and organize a mineral collection

• How to care for collected specimens

• Essential collecting and testing equipment

• Where different rocks and minerals may be found

• The differences between igneous, sedimentary, and metamorphic rocks

• Common mineral environments

• How physical properties help identify minerals

• Color, luster, hardness, streak, fracture, and cleavage

• Mineral textures and aggregate forms

• Crystal systems and classifications

• Chemical classifications of minerals

• Practical tests, techniques, and identification tips

• The geographic distribution of mineral species

Mineral Groups Covered

• Native elements

• Sulfides and sulfosalts

• Oxides

• Halides

• Carbonates

• Nitrates

• Borates

• Sulfates

• Phosphates

• Arsenates

• Vanadates

• Uranates

• Tungstates

• Molybdates

• Silicates

Features

• Written by respected mineralogist Frederick H. Pough

• Part of the trusted Peterson Field Guide Series

• Detailed descriptions of approximately 270 minerals

• Includes 385 color photographs

• Covers rocks, minerals, and geological formations

• Explains physical and chemical properties

• Discusses crystalline structures and mineral classifications

• Includes collecting, testing, and identification guidance

• Designed for beginners and experienced collectors

• Compact field-friendly paperback format

• Sponsored by the National Audubon Society, National Wildlife Federation, and Roger Tory Peterson Institute

Benefits

• Identify field discoveries with greater confidence

• Learn how to distinguish minerals with similar appearances

• Understand how physical properties aid identification

• Improve rock and mineral testing skills

• Better understand the geology of collecting locations

• Organize and care for a specimen collection

• Connect prospecting observations with geological processes

• Carry a substantial reference without bringing a large textbook

• Build a stronger foundation in mineralogy

• Make outdoor collecting trips more educational

Recommended Accessories

Complete your rock and mineral identification kit with:

• 10X triplet jeweler’s loupe

• Mohs hardness testing kit

• Streak plate

• Prospecting magnet

• Rock pick or geologist’s hammer

• Safety glasses

• Protective work gloves

• Field notebook

• Specimen bags and labels

• Small digital scale

• Rock and mineral testing kit

• Collection and display cases

• State or regional rockhounding guidebooks

Specifications

• Title: A Peterson Field Guide to Rocks and Minerals

• Author: Frederick H. Pough

• Series: Peterson Field Guides

• Edition: Fifth Edition

• Publisher: Mariner Books

• Publication Date: January 15, 1998

• Format: Paperback

• Pages: 416

• Color Photographs: 385

• Minerals Described: Approximately 270

• Book Dimensions: Approximately 4.5" wide × 7.25" tall

• ISBN-10: 039591096X

• ISBN-13: 9780395910962

• Language: English

• Subject: Rocks, Minerals, Mineralogy, Geology and Field Identification

• Existing High Plains Prospectors SKU: SKU-1150

What’s Included

• One copy of A Peterson Field Guide to Rocks and Minerals by Frederick H. Pough

Field Safety Reminder

Always wear safety glasses and suitable protective equipment when breaking, trimming, or extracting rock specimens. Obtain permission before entering private property, respect active mining claims, and verify current collecting regulations before removing rocks, minerals, or fossils from public land.

Never enter abandoned mines or approach unstable slopes, excavations, or rock faces without appropriate authorization, training, and safety equipment.

Why Buy From High Plains Prospectors?

At High Plains Prospectors, we know that successful rockhounding begins with recognizing what you have found. A Peterson Field Guide to Rocks and Minerals combines portable convenience with extensive identification information, making it an excellent resource for prospectors, mineral collectors, students, and outdoor explorers. Keep it in your backpack, vehicle, classroom, or workshop so dependable geological information is always close at hand.

The definitive guide to rocks and minerals, completely updated for the fifth edition, includes 385 color photographs showing rocks, minerals, and geologic formations. Hundreds of minerals are described, with details such as geographic formations. Hundreds of minerals are described, with details such as geographic distribution, physical properties, chemical composition, and crystalline structures. Detailed descriptions of 270 minerals: geographic distribution, physical properties, chemical composition, crystalline structure, and more. Color photos. Pough, 320 pages.