Rupert Hochleitner has a PhD in Mineralogy. His area of specialization is systematic mineralogy. Other research areas are meteorites, in particular those of the planet Mars, oxidation minerals, and pegmatitic phosphate minerals. He has published numerous scientific articles and was for a long time editor-in-chief of the journal LAPIS, a specialist magazine for mineral collectors and mineral lovers. Since 1993, he has been deputy director of the Mineralogical State Collection, Munich.
A scholarly survey of mineralogy, this manual will appeal to the
serious specimen collector with its stunning photos and erudite
detailing. A color chart in the fold-out cover divides sections
into blue, red, yellow, brown, green, black, and white rocks. A
matching back cover categorizes and diagrams 28 crystalline forms.
Each entry identifies the mineral by chemical formula and lists
succinct details of cleavage, hardness, luster, density, fracture,
and tenacity. Some contain common names (fool's gold, desert rose).
Descriptors specify types -- vitreous, aggregate, metamorphic,
igneous, radial -- and catalogue geometric shapes with such terms
as isometric, monoclinic, tetragonal, rhombic. Commentary links
minerals with geological formation in Alpinetype fissures,
sedimentary rock, and hydrothermal veins and identifies some
locales, such as Iceland, the Canary Islands, and Silverberg in the
Bavarian Forest. A knowledgeable historian as well as mineralogist,
Hochleitner notes anecdotal particulars; for example, the fact that
Goethe was a rock hound, aegirite bears the name of the Nordic sea
god, and copper working began in the Stone Age. A book for serious
students of geology and earth elements, this work comes highly
recommended for public, high-school, and college libraries.--Mary
Ellen Snodgrass "Booklist" (1/30/2020 12:00:00 AM)
Hochleitner's pocket-size field guide is detailed and precise.
Arranged by streak color, it includes abundant, details photos of
specimens in naturel states and, often, close-ups after cutting or
polishing, as well as key features for identification. Brief
descriptions and information on chemical composition, crystal
structure, and location aid in usefulness. Consider for all
libraries when updating earth sciences or mineralogy sections.--
"Library Journal" (11/1/2019 12:00:00 AM)
Packed with beautiful photographs of earth's many rocks, minerals
and gems... An ideal instructional reference for geology students,
amateur mineralogists and collectors alike -- making it
unreservedly recommended for personal, professional, community, and
academic library collections.-- "Midwest Book Review" (12/1/2019
12:00:00 AM)
The Firefly Guide to Minerals, Rocks and Gems is a field guide
designed for quick and easy identification, and appears in a
compact paperback take-along tote format that lends to this use.
Photos of rocks and gems are accompanied by notes on crystal forms,
hardness, density, and more. Each photo captures both typical views
and close-ups of the rock's shape in comparison to others which may
be closely related. This eliminates many problematic identification
obstacles, making The Firefly Guide to Minerals, Rocks and Gems an
essential reference for rock hounds actively working in the
field.--Diane Donovan "Donovan's Literary Services" (12/1/2019
12:00:00 AM)
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