Pocket Guide to Rocks & Minerals of southern Africa

Book excerpt: Southern Africa’s rocks span an enormous time period and the region boasts a wealth of mineral deposits. This handy pocket guide presents a selection of the most common, fascinating and important rock and mineral species to be found here. Each entry includes:  full-colour photographs  a concise description  uses, both historic and current, and  detailed information on where in the region species are found. The physical and diagnostic characteristics of each mineral are summarized in tinted panels, and handy icons show other important information at a glance. In addition, the rock section discusses how the three main rock types form. A comprehensive glossary explains difficult technical terms. Compact and easy-to-use, the Pocket Guide – Rocks & Minerals of Southern Africa will be invaluable both to amateur geologists and budding collectors.