The Practical Geologist by Dougal Dixon

Learn the Fundamentals of Geology, Fieldwork & Rock and Mineral Identification

Explore the forces that shaped our planet with The Practical Geologist by earth-science author Dougal Dixon. This comprehensive introductory guide combines basic geological principles with practical instruction for finding, identifying, preparing, and displaying rocks and minerals.

Beginning with the formation and development of the Earth, the book examines the materials that make up the planet, movement within the crust, weathering, erosion, underground landscapes, and other geological processes. Readers then learn how to apply that knowledge through field observation, specimen collection, mapping, and identification.

Packed with more than 200 full-color illustrations and photographs, The Practical Geologist provides an accessible foundation for beginners while offering enough depth to remain useful as their interest grows. It is an excellent reference for rockhounds, prospectors, natural-science enthusiasts, students, and families.

Perfect For

• Beginning geologists

• Rock and mineral collectors

• Gold prospectors

• Rockhounds

• Gem hunters

• Geology students

• Homeschool science programs

• Teachers and classrooms

• Hikers and outdoor explorers

• Fossil enthusiasts

• Natural-history enthusiasts

• Anyone starting a specimen collection

What You'll Discover

• How the Earth formed and developed

• The materials that compose our planet

• Movements and processes within the Earth

• How weather and water shape the surface

• The formation of underground landscapes

• Basic rock and mineral identification

• How different rocks and minerals form

• Where various specimens may be found

• How to search for and collect field samples

• Basic geological mapping techniques

• How to prepare specimens

• Ways to label, organize, and curate a collection

• Important geological locations around the world

Major Topics Covered

• Earth’s formation and history

• The structure of the planet

• Minerals and mineral formation

• Igneous rocks

• Sedimentary rocks

• Metamorphic rocks

• Plate movement and structural geology

• Weathering and erosion

• Rivers and surface water

• Underground geological features

• Practical fieldwork

• Geological mapping

• Collecting and extracting samples

• Preparing and curating specimens

• Geological sites across six continents

Features

• Written by Dougal Dixon

• Comprehensive introduction to practical geology

• More than 200 full-color illustrations and photographs

• Combines scientific principles with field techniques

• Covers rock and mineral collecting

• Includes specimen identification information

• Discusses mapping and field observation

• Explains specimen preparation and curation

• Highlights geological sites on six continents

• Large-format softcover design

• 160 pages

• Measures approximately 8" x 10"

Benefits

• Build a solid foundation in earth science

• Better understand the landscapes you explore

• Learn how rocks and minerals form

• Identify and document specimens more systematically

• Develop safer, more organized fieldwork habits

• Improve a personal rock and mineral collection

• Connect prospecting observations with geological processes

• Learn how to prepare and display collected samples

• Support classroom or homeschool geology lessons

• Add a richly illustrated reference to your natural-science library

Useful Identification Characteristics

The guide helps readers consider features such as:

• Color

• Luster

• Hardness

• Streak

• Cleavage

• Fracture

• Texture

• Grain size

• Crystal form

• Geological setting

• Associated minerals

• Formation processes

Using several characteristics together is generally more reliable than attempting to identify a specimen by color alone.

Recommended Accessories

Build a complete practical-geology kit with:

• Geology hammer or rock pick

• Safety glasses

• Protective gloves

• 10X triplet jeweler’s loupe

• Mohs hardness test kit

• Streak plate

• Handheld magnet

• Field notebook and pencils

• Compass or handheld GPS

• Geological maps

• Specimen bags

• Permanent labels

• Small ruler or measuring tape

• Rock and mineral storage box

• Display stands or specimen cases

• 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

Specifications

• Title: The Practical Geologist

• Subtitle: The Introductory Guide to the Basics of Geology and to Collecting and Identifying Rocks

• Author: Dougal Dixon

• Publisher: Touchstone

• Publication Date: August 15, 1992

• Format: Softcover

• Pages: 160

• Dimensions: Approximately 8" x 10"

• Illustrations: More than 200 full-color illustrations and photographs

• ISBN-10: 0671746979

• ISBN-13: 9780671746971

• Language: English

• Subject: Geology, Rocks, Minerals, Fieldwork & Specimen Collecting

• High Plains Prospectors SKU: SKU-1137

What's Included

• One copy of The Practical Geologist by Dougal Dixon

Specimen Identification Note

A visual match is only the beginning of a reliable identification. Weathering, impurities, lighting, and variations in crystal structure can cause the same mineral or rock type to appear in several different forms.

Compare multiple characteristics and consider the specimen’s geological setting. Avoid destructive hardness, streak, acid, or fracture testing on rare, valuable, historical, or display-quality specimens.

Responsible Collecting & Field Safety

Always obtain permission before collecting on private property and verify current regulations for public land. Collecting may be restricted or prohibited in national parks, protected geological sites, active mining claims, archaeological areas, and other managed lands.

Wear approved eye protection when striking rock and use a proper geology hammer. Never enter abandoned mines, unstable excavations, restricted quarries, or areas beneath loose rock faces. Be prepared for changing weather, wildlife, difficult terrain, and limited cellular service.

Take only modest samples where collection is permitted, minimize damage to formations, document locations accurately, and leave scientifically significant discoveries undisturbed.

Why Buy From High Plains Prospectors?

At High Plains Prospectors, we know that understanding geology can make every prospecting, rockhounding, and outdoor adventure more meaningful. Learning how rocks form, where minerals occur, and how landscapes develop helps explorers interpret the ground beneath their feet.

The Practical Geologist combines clear scientific explanations, hands-on field instruction, and more than 200 full-color illustrations in one comprehensive volume. Whether you're starting a rock collection, improving your prospecting knowledge, or exploring earth science with your family, this guide is a valuable addition to your library.

The introductory guide to the basics of geology and to collecting and identifying rocks. Packed with more than 200 full-color illustrations and photographs. There are also sections on mapping, preparing, and curing specimens. From exploring the basic principles of geology to starting a rock and mineral collection, The Practical Geologist is the perfect introduction to the world of earth science.

Beginning with a history of the earth's formation and development, this book explores the substances that compose the planet, movements within the earth, the surface effects of weather and water, and underground landscapes.

It shows you how to search for, identify, and extract samples of various rocks and minerals, and for each rock and mineral type there is a brief mineralogy and explanation of its locations. There are also sections on mapping, preparing, and curating specimens, and geological sites on the six continents.

Packed with more than 200 full-color illustrations, this comprehensive guide is the essential practical companion for natural science enthusiasts everywhere. Douglas Dixon, 160 pages, 8 x 10 inches with a soft cover.