Rocks, Gems, and Minerals of the Southwest (Falcon Pocket Guides)

I really find this book useful for our new summer adventures. We are exploring the area around us in a new and different way since we have already explored most of the touristy spots around our town. We are rock hounding. This has a very clear picture of a rock and then a description of the rock, mineral or gem that is pictured. Additionally, it includes a lot of information- other colors, some basic information about where you mind find thie rock, gem or mineral etc. Overall, we have been using it to help us figure out what we have found.As is typical with books such as this, it doesn't have enough pictures or examples of the rocks, minerals and gems. This makes it difficult to look at the rock in your hand and be sure that you have found felspar or quartz or marble etc. However, we think it is useful and gives us a place to start.One of the best things about this book is that it is a book. This means when you don't have internet access or cell phone towers are too far away, you can still make a best stab at figuring out what you have in your hand. It is not a large book either. It is a bit too big for a pocket but it fits in our bucket that we use to carry our finds of the day. It is not heavy either so it doesn't add a lot of weight.Well worth the money. Enjoy.

I had a copy of this before and lost it on one rock hunting trip.The information in this book is great for both the casual and more serious rock hound. Easy to use and well-illustrated. A Handy pocket guide for sure.

Perfect book to take to the local rock shops. I took it to rock shop here in Austin, this book helped me sort out the treasures from junk. Most of the pictures are very accurate, a couple just poor examples. Fits in my pocket just fine. My real problem is I only bought one book. My wife kept the book away from me, when we were at the treasure shop. She wanted to use the book and keep from me. I guess it really slowed me down. The book is easy to read.

Great book and well laid out. I've learned more about local minerals than the months of online research.

This is a great guide for identifying the various rocks I am finding in Nevada. I've turned into a regular rock hound!

Great book

Excellent photos and well-written basic book to begin learning about rocks, gems and minerals collecting. Very nicely done and educational. Oddly, even though the book title suggests the focus of the book might be the Southwestern US, the fact is the photos showcase specimens from around the world in addition to a strong representation from the SW US.

Recent trip to Arizona where I found lots of rocks, bought this book to help me identify on my next trip.