Rocks and Minerals - recommended book list

Hey guys, here's the start of a listing of great books on the topic of rocks, minerals, gemstones, fossils, geology, etc.

The Crystal Bible

by Judy Hall; Ann Marie Gallagher
ISBN: 1582972400
Beautifully illustrated, The Crystal Bible offers a comprehensive guide to crystals, their shapes, colors and applications. With informative descriptions and an easy-to-use format, it is an indispensable practical handbook for crystal lovers and users everywhere--both beginner and expert alike. The book's directory format and beautiful, full-color photos ensure that the crystals are easily identifiable. Descriptions, which accompany each entry, provide information on their appearance, worldwide distribution, attributes, actions and healing properties. Both major and lesser-known stones currently available are covered, including those only recently discovered. A comprehensive index cross-referencing crystals to applications, aliments and conditions makes this book a vital reference for all crystal users.

$21.99

The Crystal Bible, Volume 2

by Judy Hall
ISBN: 9781582977010

This updated edition of "The Crystal Bible" features information on 200 additional healing stones, and describes how crystals can be used to heal as well as their other valuable properties.

$21.99

The Crystal Bible, Volume 3

by Judy Hall
ISBN: 9781599636993

Overview N/A

$21.99

Nature Guide : Rocks and Minerals

by Ronald Louis Bonewitz
ISBN: 9780756690427

Published by Smithsonian, "Discover and explore the diverse world of rocks and minerals with more than 700 examples, Nature Guide Rocks and Minerals is the ideal companion for enthusiasts everywhere."

$14.95

Simon & Schuster's Guide to Rocks and Minerals

by Annibale Mottana; Rodolfo Crespi; Giuseppe Liborio
ISBN: 0671244175

"Practical, concise, and easy to use, Simon & Schuster's Guide to Rocks and Minerals contains everything that the rock and mineral enthusiast needs to know.  This field guide is divided into two large sections - one devoted to minerals and one to rocks, each prefaced by a comprehensive introduction that discusses formation, chemistry, and more.  All 377 entries, beautifully illustrated with color photographs and helpful visual symbols, provide descriptions and practical information about appearance, classification, rarity, crystal formation, mode of occurence, gravity of mineral, rock chemistry, modal classification fields, formational environments, grain sizes of rocks, and much more.  Whether you are a serious collector or an information-seeking amateur, this incomparably beautiful, authoritative guide will prove an invaluable reference"

NOTES:  This book is VERY complete, is goes in depth on all topics related to rocks and minerals.  It's a bit overkill for the beginner, but an AWESOME resource for an moderate to advanced rockhound.  Good stuff!!

$20.00

Smithsonian Rock and Gem

by Ronald Louis Bonewitz; Margaret Carruthers; Richard Efthim
ISBN: 0756633427

Starting with the Big Bang creation of the universe, Bonewitz (a geologist specializing in crystal chemistry with secondary training in archaeology per his New Age spiritually-oriented Web site) introduces types of rocks, minerals, gemstones, and fossils to novice collectors. The well-illustrated guide, published in conjunction with the Smithsonian Institution, includes a glossary but no further reading or resources.