Collecting Rocks, Gems and Minerals: Identification, Values and Lapidary Uses

by Patti Polk

Overview

A rockhound's must-have resource!

Easy to use and lavishly illustrated, this new and completely revised and expanded edition of Collecting Rocks, Gems, and Minerals is designed with beginners in mind, yet filled with valuable technical information for seasoned collectors. This guide takes you from being simply someone who enjoys rocks to a knowledgeable enthusiast in no time and features:


   • An easy-to-use, quick reference format arranged by category and color of stone
   • 800+ beautiful color photographs
   • Values and tips for locating, buying and collecting
   • Both lapidary and mineral display materials
   • Decades of rock-collecting know-how of the author
Foreword by Johann Zenz, world-renowned agate expert, author and lecturer.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781440246159
Publisher:	Penguin Publishing Group
Publication date:	05/04/2016
Edition description:	Third Edition
Pages:	352
Sales rank:	260,044
Product dimensions:	5.90(w) x 8.60(h) x 1.10(d)

About the Author

Author Patti Polk is recognized as one of the top agate collectors in the world (as noted in the highly respected reference book Agates III by Johann Zenz). She has been collecting, cutting and polishing rocks for jewelry and display for more than 20 years. She has been published in Rock & Gem magazine and numerous other periodicals, and speaks at rock and mineral club programs and frequently serves as a trail guide for visitors to Arizona. Patti is a skilled lapidary artist, which includes the cutting and polishing of the stones into display specimens or cabochons for jewelry making.

Table of Contents

Foreword 4

Acknowledgments 5

About This Book 6

Introduction to Collecting Rocks and Minerals 8

What are Rocks and Minerals? 11

How to Locate and Collect Rocks and Minerals 15

Use and Care of Rocks, Minerals, and Gemstones 21

Buying and Selling Rocks, Minerals, and Gemstones 26

Collectible Materials for Lapidary Use and Display 31

Crystalline Quartz 33

Cryptocrystalline Quartz 45

Chalcedony 47

Agate 61

Jasper 111

Pseudomorphs 128

Fossils 129

Petrified Wood 137

Cabochon Materials 142

Metallic Materials 160

Uncommon Materials 162

Faceting Materials 165

Display Materials 182

Carving and Ornamental Materials 186

Architectural Materials 197

Organic Materials 200

Out of This World 206

Just For Fun 209

Mineral Display Specimens 212

Mineral Identification 213

Minerals 215

Glossary 325

Resources 336

Bibliography 339

Photo Credits 340

Index 349