Top Mineralogy and Crystallography Resources

The best Mineralogy includes Crystal Gems: Myths and Properties Explored, Salt: A Global Historical Perspective [1 Edition], The Rockhounding Encyclopedia: Gem Hunter's Guide and many others as mentioned below.

1

Crystal Gems: Myths and Properties Explored

  • Explore gemstones' myths and symbolic meanings.
  • Learn about precious and semiprecious stones.
  • Discover historical uses of crystals and gems.
  • Understand the science behind unique properties.
  • Encounter celebrated gemstones throughout history.
  • Find out how ancient cultures utilized gems.
  • Enjoy an illustrated guide to crystals.
  • Average Rating out of 5:
  • Price Range: $1.99
2

Salt: A Global Historical Perspective [1 Edition]

  • Explores the significance of salt in history.
  • Written by acclaimed author Mark Kurlansky.
  • Combines economics, science, and culinary aspects.
  • Reveals salt's influence on civilizations worldwide.
  • A captivating narrative filled with historical insights.
  • Discusses religious and political impacts of salt.
  • A must-read for history and food enthusiasts.
  • Average Rating out of 5:
  • Price Range: $20.44
3

The Rockhounding Encyclopedia: Gem Hunter's Guide

  • Explore 100+ gems with vivid images.
  • Identify minerals with in-depth descriptions and tips.
  • Discover 500+ US rockhounding locations easily.
  • Find GPS coordinates for each rockhounding site.
  • Learn about essential rockhounding gear and tools.
  • Simplify geology with easy-to-understand explanations.
  • Empower yourself to collect mesmerizing gems independently.
  • Average Rating out of 5:
  • Price Range: $29.97
4

Material World: Six Key Materials of Civilization

  • Explores six key materials shaping modern civilization.
  • Highlights history of sand, salt, iron, copper, oil, lithium.
  • Examines humanity's relationship with raw materials.
  • Details global extraction and usage of essential resources.
  • Celebrates innovative processes transforming materials into products.
  • Offers new perspective on human civilization's foundations.
  • Recognized as a best book by The Economist.
  • Average Rating out of 5:
  • Price Range: $19.69
5

Material World: Key Materials of Civilization

  • Explore six key materials shaping civilization.
  • Uncover the impact of sand, salt, iron, copper.
  • Understand oil and lithium's role in modern life.
  • Discover human ingenuity behind material extraction processes.
  • Engage with the epic journey across cultures.
  • Celebrate the networks turning raw materials into innovation.
  • View civilization from a groundbreaking perspective.
  • Average Rating out of 5:
  • Price Range: $9.99
  • Material: Kindle Edition
6

The Ultimate Minerals Encyclopedia: 700 Gems & Rocks

  • Comprehensive guide with over 700 minerals.
  • Grouped by color for easy reference.
  • Clear photographs opposite detailed data.
  • Includes chemical formulas and properties.
  • Features crystal form diagrams for many minerals.
  • Useful glossary and mineral collecting introduction.
  • Convenient field reference with measuring rule.
  • Average Rating out of 5:
  • Price Range: $21.79
7

Fists Full of Gold: Prospecting Guide

  • Comprehensive guide on gold prospecting techniques.
  • Ideal for beginners and experienced prospectors alike.
  • Illustrations enhance understanding of prospecting methods.
  • Covers equipment operations and geology of gold.
  • Focuses on finding recoverable gold locations.
  • Unique approach to teaching prospecting skills.
  • Essential resource for lifelong learning in prospecting.
  • Average Rating out of 5:
  • Price Range: $29.95
  • Color: 6 positive
8

The Rockhounding Bible: 600 U.S. Sites Guide

  • PAPERBACK with vibrant colored images
  • Essential tools guide for rockhounding beginners
  • Identify over 100 rock specimens confidently
  • Expert tips for collecting and storing artifacts
  • 600 verified U.S. rockhounding sites included
  • GPS coordinates for easy site navigation
  • Accessible guide for all skill levels
  • Average Rating out of 5:
  • Price Range: $27.78
9

Finding Gold in Colorado: Prospecting Guide

  • Updated for 2025 with latest prospecting information.
  • Over 180 public access gold panning sites.
  • Explore Colorado's gold mining history and origin stories.
  • Includes recommendations for historic districts and museums.
  • Thoroughly researched for confirmed public access locations.
  • Written by an experienced Colorado resident and prospector.
  • Discover gold in urban, historic, and remote areas.
  • Average Rating out of 5:
  • Price Range: $25.95
10

Rockhounding in Missouri Logbook & Journal

  • Perfectly sized at 6 x 9 inches.
  • 120 pages for extensive rock collecting notes.
  • Track date, time, and location for discoveries.
  • Record environment type and rock details easily.
  • Elegant matte cover design for a premium feel.
  • Ideal gift for geology enthusiasts and hobbyists.
  • Encourages outdoor exploration and learning about geology.
  • Average Rating out of 5:
  • Price Range: $11.99
11

Gem Cutting: A Lapidary's Manual (2nd Edition)

  • Comprehensive guide for beginners and experts alike.
  • Step-by-step instructions with detailed illustrations.
  • Covers cutting, polishing, and lapidary techniques.
  • Tips for equipment selection and efficiency.
  • Expanded gemstone descriptions in second edition.
  • Learn to create cabochons, beads, and mosaics.
  • Author John Sinkankas, a certified gemologist.
  • Average Rating out of 5:
  • Price Range: $36.06
12

Rocks & Minerals (DK Smithsonian Handbook, Paperback)

  • Identify over 500 rocks and minerals easily.
  • Stunning photographs highlight unique characteristics.
  • Clear visual keys for accurate identification.
  • Quick-reference technical details included for each entry.
  • Comprehensive guide for beginners and enthusiasts alike.
  • Learn about rock and mineral classification.
  • Perfect gift for geology and earth science lovers.
  • Average Rating out of 5:
  • Price Range: $19.99
13

Rockhounding Bible: Ultimate Beginner's Guide

  • Comprehensive rockhounding guide for beginners.
  • Full-color pictures for easy identification.
  • State-by-state rockhounding locations included.
  • Learn essential equipment and protection tips.
  • Avoid common mistakes beginners make.
  • Transform hobby into a profitable business.
  • Average Rating out of 5:
  • Price Range: $19.99
14

DK Secret Histories: Crystals and Gems

  • Explore the history of gemstones and crystals.
  • Discover scientific and mythical properties of stones.
  • Learn about traditional uses and cultural significance.
  • Understand key characteristics of precious and semi-precious stones.
  • Engaging stories of famous gemstones and jewels.
  • Combine science, culture, and history in one book.
  • Dive into crystal healing and manifesting practices.
  • Average Rating out of 5:
  • Price Range: $17.99
15

Gemmology by Peter G. Read (Paperback)

  • Comprehensive resource on gemmology science and practice.
  • Revised edition covers latest gem enhancement methods.
  • Includes new test instruments and lab techniques.
  • Essential reference for gemmologists and students.
  • Details on Gemmological Association's Foundation Course.
  • Includes tips on examination techniques for success.
  • Valuable text for gemmological professionals worldwide.
  • Average Rating out of 5:
  • Price Range: $38.99
16

Hiddenite, NC Gem Mining History & Geology

  • Explores Hiddenite's rich mining history.
  • Details the unique geology of the region.
  • Showcases stunning emerald-green hiddenite gemstones.
  • Highlights significant mineral discoveries since 1875.
  • Discusses controversies and dramas in local mining.
  • Offers insights for enthusiasts and curious readers.
  • Includes information on various local minerals.
  • Average Rating out of 5:
  • Price Range: $39.95
17

Gem: The Ultimate Visual Reference Guide

  • Stunning visual guide to Earth's greatest gems.
  • Includes hundreds of pages of gorgeous photography.
  • Covers gemstones, minerals, and famous trinkets.
  • Trace the history of gemmology extensively.
  • Features iconic gems like the Hope Diamond.
  • Accessible text for gem enthusiasts and novices.
  • Perfect addition to any gem lover's library.
  • Average Rating out of 5:
  • Price Range: $15.00
18

Salt of the Earth: A History of Salt

  • Discover salt's impact on human civilization.
  • Explore the global journey of salt.
  • Uncover salt's role in trade and culture.
  • Learn about salt's historical significance.
  • Understand salt's influence on economic practices.
  • Delve into salt's importance in preservation.
  • Examine salt's cultural symbolism and rituals.
  • Price Range: $19.99
19

Firefly Guide to Minerals, Rocks & Gems

  • Step-by-step identification questions and answers.
  • Organized by streak color for easy navigation.
  • Over 1,000 detailed photographs and drawings.
  • Identifies 350 minerals, rocks, and gems.
  • Includes tips for distinguishing similar stones.
  • Covers crystal form, hardness, and luster.
  • Perfect for amateur mineralogists and collectors.
  • Average Rating out of 5:
  • Price Range: $18.12
20

The Second Kind of Impossible: New Matter

  • Exciting quest for a new form of matter.
  • Explores unconventional scientific theories and ideas.
  • Captivating narrative with thrilling adventures.
  • Highlights Paul Steinhardt's groundbreaking research journey.
  • Features unique characters and mysterious challenges.
  • Reveals insights about our solar system's formation.
  • Includes an accompanying PDF with the audiobook.
  • Average Rating out of 5:
  • Price Range: $21.83
21

Larger Benthic Foraminifera: Evolution & Significance

  • Comprehensive reference on larger benthic foraminifera.
  • Revised second edition with extensive new analysis.
  • Documents biostratigraphic ranges and paleoecological significance.
  • Essential for understanding oil-bearing sedimentary basins.
  • Includes palaeogeographic interpretation of marine history.
  • Features new research from multiple global regions.
  • Illustrated with examples of key species and families.
  • Average Rating out of 5:
  • Price Range: $1.53
22

Firefly Guide to Gems (Pocket Series)

  • Compact guide to gemstones and crystals.
  • Explains geology and gemstone properties simply.
  • Detailed sections on precious and semi-precious gems.
  • Includes illustrations of priceless jewelry designs.
  • Charts for technical details of each gem.
  • Perfect for collectors and rockhounds.
  • Features color photographs of raw and polished stones.
  • Average Rating out of 5:
  • Price Range: $4.42
23

The Poetry of Pebbles: Rock Tumbling Guide

  • Transform ordinary stones into polished gems.
  • Explore the art and science of rock tumbling.
  • Comprehensive guide for beginners and enthusiasts alike.
  • Learn to identify various types of rocks.
  • Step-by-step instructions for tumbling success.
  • Create unique crafts with your polished stones.
  • Unearth nature's hidden beauty through hands-on experience.
  • Average Rating out of 5:
  • Price Range: $3.99
24

Ikons of the Mineral World: Nature's Art

  • Stunning visual showcase of natural mineral art.
  • Vibrant colors and unique formations highlighted.
  • Perfect for newcomers and seasoned collectors alike.
  • Includes historical anecdotes about each specimen.
  • Expert insights on world-class mineral specimens.
  • Written by passionate, lifelong mineral collectors.
  • Features a link to detailed book review.
  • Average Rating out of 5:
  • Price Range: $95.00
25

Rockhounding in Kentucky Logbook & Journal

  • Ideal logbook for rockhounding enthusiasts.
  • Compact 6 x 9 inches size for easy storage.
  • 120 pages for extensive rock gathering notes.
  • Track location, environment, and specimen details.
  • Beautifully designed premium matte cover.
  • Perfect gift for geology lovers and hobbyists.
  • Simple layout for effortless recording and sketching.
  • Average Rating out of 5:
  • Price Range: $11.99
26

Journey Into the Selenite Crystal Caves

  • Explore the breathtaking Selenite Crystal Caves.
  • Updated edition with stunning color photographs.
  • Documents first explorers' journey in 2001.
  • Experience the magic of Naica, Chihuahua.
  • Perfect for crystal enthusiasts and adventure seekers.
  • Learn about unique geological formations and history.
  • Inspires wonder and appreciation for natural beauty.
  • Average Rating out of 5:
  • Price Range: $8.99
27

Rocks, Gems & Minerals: Illustrated Guide

  • Comprehensive guide to rocks, gems, and minerals.
  • Illustrated in full color for easy identification.
  • Covers physical and chemical properties clearly.
  • Explains origins and geologic significance effectively.
  • Includes information on gems and semiprecious stones.
  • Teaches how to find and collect specimens.
  • Ideal for rockhounds and mineral collectors alike.
  • Average Rating out of 5:
  • Price Range: $8.54
  • Material: 3 positive
28

Rockhounding for Beginners: Collecting Precious Gems

  • Comprehensive guide for beginner rockhounding enthusiasts.
  • Learn to find precious minerals and gems.
  • Techniques for cleaning, cutting, and polishing rocks.
  • Full-color photos for easy rock identification.
  • Perfect for outdoor adventures or armchair geologists.
  • Tips for sourcing local rockhounding locations.
  • Enhance your collection and knowledge of geology.
  • Average Rating out of 5:
  • Price Range: $16.34
29

Rocks & Minerals: Comprehensive Visual Guide (Large Format)

  • Explore over 450 rock and mineral specimens.
  • High-quality images enhance identification and understanding.
  • Learn folklore and history of unique gems.
  • Practical advice on collecting and displaying finds.
  • Expert insights for budding gemmologists and rockhounds.
  • Comprehensive guide for all mineral enthusiasts.
  • Uncover fascinating stories behind natural treasures.
  • Average Rating out of 5:
  • Price Range: $27.95
30

Beginner's Lapidary: Gemstone Cutting & Polishing

  • Learn gemstone cutting and polishing techniques.
  • Comprehensive guide for complete beginners.
  • Simple step-by-step tutorials included.
  • Create unique gemstones for jewelry.
  • Save money crafting your own stones.
  • Perfect gift for aspiring jewelers.
  • Average Rating out of 5:
  • Price Range: $12.95