Rocks & minerals - Adrian Jones

Covering 240 commonly-found types of rock, mineral and gemstone throughout the world, Wild Guide Rocks and Minerals is the perfect introduction to this popular subject.

Author Adrian Jones is a lecturer at University College London, and as well as having a wealth of academic experience, has also contributed to a number of books. He is keen to see a beginners' guide that is relevant not only to the general public, but also to first-year undergraduates and other students of Geology, Earth Science and Engineering. Many of the institution offering these subjects have a list that students have to learn by heart - Wild Guide Rocks & Minerals will cover these lists.

Each type of rock or mineral is illustrated with a stunning full-colour photograph. Additional artwork may show the crystalline structure or other identification features. There is a description of each rock or mineral type which includes information on distribution, chemical composition, hardness, colour and texture, and an ID Fact File that offers information at a glance.

There is also the opportunity to raise the public's awareness of Special Sites of Scientific Interest (SSSIs), many of which exist to protect endangered species if wildlife, but others are home to unique geological formations and rare rocks and minerals. The 'Where to see' and 'What next?' sections will contain practical advice and information for those wishing to take their interest further.