Skip to content
FREE SHIPPING ON ALL DOMESTIC ORDERS $35+
FREE SHIPPING ON ALL US ORDERS $35+
Rocks and Rock Formations: A Key to Identification - Paperback | Diverse Reads

Rocks and Rock Formations: A Key to Identification

Availability:
Only 1 left!
Save 5% Save 5%
$19.95
$19.95 - $19.95
$19.95
$18.99
$18.99 - $18.99
$18.99
The first field guide that allows amateur rock enthusiasts to identify basic rocks and rock formations in a systematic way

Many of us are fascinated by rocks—but identifying them can seem daunting. It’s often tricky even for geologists, who rely on experience, intuition, and in-depth familiarity with rock-forming components. Rocks and Rock Formations allows everyone, amateur or professional, to successfully distinguish these amazing masses of minerals, using only careful observation, a magnifying glass, a pocket knife—and a bit of patience.

Jürg Meyer provides a structured approach to the identification of all rocks within the three groups: sedimentary, igneous, and metamorphic. Bringing together more than 530 diagrams and photographs to illustrate essential characteristics, Meyer highlights some basics on rocks—their mineral constituents, structures, textures, fossils, weathering patterns, and more—which are important for a determination. The main part of the book is a handy and thorough identification key, which takes into account all possible rock variations, mixtures, and structural differences. The concluding section of the guide delves into rock systematics.

Assuming little prior experience or knowledge, Rocks and Rock Formations is an invaluable resource for rock enthusiasts everywhere.

  • Suitable for beginners and amateurs
  • Helpful, systematic identification key
  • Exploration of all types of rocks
  • More than 530 diagrams and photographs

ISBN-13: 9780691199528

Media Type: Paperback

Publisher: Princeton University Press

Publication Date: 06-22-2021

Pages: 192

Product Dimensions: 5.60(w) x 8.10(h) x 0.80(d)

Series: Princeton Field Guides #2

Jürg Meyer is a professional geologist and licensed mountain guide, as well as lecturer and author in the areas of geology and the environment. He lives in Switzerland.

Table of Contents

Preface 7

Why Rocks Are Different 9

Part 1 The Fundamentals 13

Rocks: An Overview 14

Rock-Forming Minerals 20

Rock Textures and Structures 30

Fossils in Rocks 41

Secondary Alterations in Rocks 43

Weathering Crusts 46

Equipment Necessary for Rock Identification 49

Approaching Rocks Intelligently 50

Additional Research Methods for Rocks 55

Part 11 Identification Key 57

Layout and Logic of the Key 58

Prerequisites and Instructions for Use 59

Identification Key with Illustrations 62

Part III An Introduction to Rock Classification 173

Igneous Rocks 1: Plutonic Rocks (Plutonites) 174

Igneous Rocks 2: Volcanic Rocks 176

Sedimentary Rocks 178

Metamorphic Rocks 180

Photo Credits 186

Index 187