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

Identify Rocks, Minerals & Geological Formations with a Trusted Field Reference

Explore the fascinating world beneath your feet with A Peterson Field Guide to Rocks and Minerals by Frederick H. Pough. Trusted by generations of rockhounds, mineral collectors, students, and geologists, this comprehensive guide provides the information needed to identify and better understand hundreds of mineral specimens.

The guide includes 385 color photographs depicting rocks, minerals, and geological formations. Detailed entries examine approximately 270 minerals, covering their physical properties, chemical composition, crystal structure, geographic distribution, and distinguishing characteristics.

Compact enough to carry in a backpack yet detailed enough for serious study, this Peterson Field Guide is an excellent companion for rockhounding trips, prospecting expeditions, classroom activities, mineral shows, and home identification work.

Perfect For

• Rockhounds

• Gold prospectors

• Mineral collectors

• Gem hunters

• Geology students

• Teachers

• Homeschool programs

• Lapidary enthusiasts

• Outdoor adventurers

• Nature enthusiasts

• Beginning collectors

• Experienced geologists

• Families exploring the outdoors

What You'll Discover

• How to begin and organize a mineral collection

• Where different rocks and minerals may be found

• The differences between igneous, sedimentary, and metamorphic rocks

• Common mineral environments and geological formations

• How physical properties help identify minerals

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

• Basic crystal systems and classifications

• Chemical classifications of minerals

• Field and laboratory identification techniques

• Geographic distribution of mineral species

• Mineral composition and crystalline structure

• Tips for testing and examining specimens

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

• 385 color photographs

• Covers rocks, minerals, and geological formations

• Includes mineral identification characteristics

• Explains physical and chemical properties

• Discusses crystal structures and classifications

• Includes practical tests, techniques, and collecting tips

• Portable field-friendly paperback format

• Useful for beginners and experienced collectors

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

Benefits

• Identify field discoveries with greater confidence

• Learn which characteristics distinguish similar minerals

• Better understand the geology of collecting locations

• Improve rock and mineral testing skills

• Organize and care for a specimen collection

• Connect field observations with geological processes

• Carry a detailed reference without bringing a full-size textbook

• Build a stronger foundation in mineralogy

• Make prospecting and rockhounding trips more educational

• Gain a deeper appreciation for the natural history of each specimen

Recommended Accessories

Complete your rock and mineral identification kit with:

• 10X triplet jeweler's loupe

• Mohs hardness testing kit

• Streak plate

• Rock pick or geologist's hammer

• Safety glasses

• Protective work gloves

• Prospecting magnet

• Small digital scale

• Field notebook

• Specimen bags and labels

• 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

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 or extracting rock specimens. Obtain permission before entering private property, respect active mining claims, and verify all current collecting regulations before removing rocks, minerals, or fossils from public land.

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 detailed identification information, making it a valuable 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.

A legendary field guide trusted for generations. This Peterson Field Guide provides clear photos and concise descriptions to help identify rocks and minerals in the field. Compact enough for backpacks, detailed enough for serious collectors.

Key Features:

• Field-friendly size

• Color photos and clear descriptions

• Trusted Peterson Field Guide series

• Great for on-the-go identification

Best For: Field use, beginners, collectors