Dictionary of Geological Terms, Third Edition

Understand More Than 1,000 Geological Terms Without Unnecessary Technical Jargon

Make earth-science terminology easier to understand with the Dictionary of Geological Terms, Third Edition, edited by Robert L. Bates and Julia A. Jackson and prepared by the American Geological Institute. This comprehensive reference translates specialized geological vocabulary into accurate, accessible definitions suitable for students, prospectors, rockhounds, educators, and natural-science enthusiasts.

The revised third edition adds more than 1,000 new terms and includes word origins, pronunciation and hyphenation guidance, commonly used abbreviations, and a geological time-and-life chart. Entries cover a wide range of topics involving rocks, minerals, fossils, landforms, geological processes, mining, and the history of the Earth.

Definitions are drawn largely from the authoritative 36,000-term Glossary of Geology, developed with contributions from nearly 150 specialists across the geosciences. The result is a substantial yet approachable reference that helps readers understand maps, reports, textbooks, field guides, and technical discussions.

Perfect For

• Geology students

• Gold prospectors

• Rock and mineral collectors

• Rockhounds

• Gem hunters

• Mining-history enthusiasts

• Teachers and classrooms

• Homeschool programs

• Field geologists

• Environmental-science students

• Fossil collectors

• Anyone reading geological maps or reports

What You'll Discover

• Plain-language definitions of geological terms

• Vocabulary related to rocks and minerals

• Terms describing fossils and ancient life

• Language used in mining and mineral exploration

• Definitions of landforms and surface features

• Terms associated with erosion and weathering

• Vocabulary involving volcanoes and earthquakes

• Words used to describe faults, folds, and rock structures

• Common geological abbreviations

• Word origins for many geological terms

• Pronunciation and hyphenation guidance

• A geological time-and-life chart

Topics Covered

• Mineralogy

• Petrology

• Stratigraphy

• Paleontology

• Geomorphology

• Structural geology

• Sedimentology

• Volcanology

• Seismology

• Hydrology

• Economic geology

• Mining and mineral deposits

• Rocks and rock formation

• Fossils and prehistoric life

• Geological time

• Surface and underground features

Features

• Prepared by the American Geological Institute

• Edited by Robert L. Bates and Julia A. Jackson

• Revised and updated third edition

• Includes more than 1,000 new terms

• Uses accurate definitions without excessive technical jargon

• Provides word origins for many entries

• Includes a pronunciation and hyphenation guide

• Lists commonly used abbreviations

• Features a geological time-and-life chart

• Drawn largely from the authoritative Glossary of Geology

• Based on contributions from nearly 150 geoscience specialists

• Comprehensive softcover reference

• Approximately 576 pages

Benefits

• Understand geological reports and field guides more easily

• Look up unfamiliar terms while studying or prospecting

• Expand your earth-science vocabulary

• Interpret mining and mineral-exploration terminology

• Better understand rock and mineral descriptions

• Learn how geological words originated

• Use the pronunciation guide when discussing technical subjects

• Reference the geological time scale while studying fossils

• Add a dependable dictionary to a classroom or home library

• Support more informed field research and specimen identification

Useful for Prospectors & Rockhounds

This dictionary can help clarify terminology encountered in:

• Geological survey reports

• Mining-district histories

• Mineral-deposit descriptions

• Topographic and geological maps

• Placer-gold reports

• Mining-claim documents

• Rock and mineral field guides

• Scientific articles

• Museum displays

• Fossil-identification resources

• Equipment manuals

• Prospecting books

Understanding terms such as alluvium, bedrock, fault, lode, placer, schist, quartz vein, conglomerate, and mineralization can help prospectors interpret technical information more accurately.

Recommended Accessories

Build a more complete geology and prospecting library with:

• The Practical Geologist by Dougal Dixon

• An Instant Guide to Rocks & Minerals by Cecilia Fitzsimons

• Peterson Field Guide to Rocks and Minerals

• Be Your Own Rock & Mineral Expert by Michele Pinet

• Geological maps

• Field notebook and pencils

• 10X triplet jeweler’s loupe

• Mohs hardness test kit

• Streak plate

• Handheld magnet

• Rock pick or geology hammer

• Specimen bags and labels

• Rock and mineral storage box

Specifications

• Title: Dictionary of Geological Terms

• Edition: Third Edition

• Editors: Robert L. Bates and Julia A. Jackson

• Prepared By: American Geological Institute

• Publisher: Anchor Books

• Publication Date: April 11, 1984

• Format: Trade paperback

• Pages: Approximately 576

• Dimensions: Approximately 5.2" x 8" x 1.3"

• ISBN-10: 0385181019

• ISBN-13: 9780385181013

• Language: English

• Subject: Geology, Earth Science, Rocks, Minerals & Geological Reference

• High Plains Prospectors SKU: 5260

What's Included

• One copy of the Dictionary of Geological Terms, Third Edition

Edition Note

This is the revised third edition, originally published in 1984. Geological terminology, scientific classifications, and formal time-scale boundaries may have changed since publication.

The book remains a valuable general reference, but readers completing professional, academic, regulatory, or legal work should compare older terminology with current publications from geological surveys, scientific societies, universities, or government agencies.

Why Buy From High Plains Prospectors?

At High Plains Prospectors, we know that understanding the language of geology can make prospecting reports, mining histories, field guides, and geological maps far more useful. A dependable dictionary helps turn unfamiliar technical vocabulary into practical knowledge.

The Dictionary of Geological Terms, Third Edition provides accessible definitions, pronunciation assistance, word origins, abbreviations, and geological charts in one comprehensive reference. Whether you're studying earth science, researching a mining district, identifying specimens, or improving your prospecting knowledge, this dictionary is a valuable addition to your library.

This best selling dictionary contains over 1000 terms. Find accurate definitions without technical jargon. Includes geological and life time line charts. Robert Bates and Julia Jackson, 572 pages with a soft cover.