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“AMERICAN MINERAL TREASURES”, edited by Gloria Staebler, Wendell Wilson, and several others. This new book measures 13” X 9 3/4” (336 X 250 mm), with 360 pages, extra heavy weight, glossy paper, color and B & W illustrations, cloth binding. Contributors include Arlene Bentley, Bob Cook, Bob Jackson, Bob Jones, Bryan Lees, Carl Francis, Dan Kile, Dan Weinrich, Doug Toland, Gene Meieran, George Robinson, George Witters, Joe Kielbaso, John Marshall, Julian Gray, Jose Santamaria, Ken Carlsen, Lance Kearns, Les Presmyk, Mark Jacobson, Pete Knudsen, Janet Clifford, Paul Harter, Steve Neely, Terry Ledford, Tom Hanna, Van King, Wayne Sorenson, Wayne Thompson, and Wendell Wilson. Illustrations include the works of expert photographers Jeff Scovil, Wendell Wilson, Harold and Erica Van Pelt, John Smolski, and Kevin Dixon.American Mineral Treasures is the long-awaited book inspired by the 2008 Tucson Gem & Mineral Show's massive exhibit project featuring the best specimens from the 44 greatest mineral localities in the United States. Editors Gloria Staebler of ExtraLapis English, and Wendell Wilson of The Mineralogical Record, have worked with over 40 authors to produce a stunning and fascinating review of all of the localities, abundantly illustrated with beautiful specimen photography and filled with personal collecting stories and narratives. Apollo Astronaut Harrison Schmitt (the only geologist ever to walk on the Moon) leads off the book with a Foreword about the thrill of field collecting, Wendell Wilson provides an introductory review of the history of mineral collecting in the United States. The focus of the book is a presentation of data on each of the 44 localities featured – data includes the geographical location, history of the mine or mining district, geology, mineralogy, important finds, etc., as pertinent to each locality, along with color photos of some of the best minerals found at each locality, photos of the mine sites or collecting sites, maps, and much more! Gene Meieran provides an Afterword about the history and development of this extraordinary publishing project. This book is one of those rare milestones in the history of mineral publishing that every mineral collector will have to own. Printing was limited to about 5,000 copies, so don’t wait until later to get a copy of the most important collection of data and photos of the top American mineral collecting localities ever produced in one volume. Printed by Lithographie, LLC, East Hampton, CT, USA, 2008. Shipping weight: 7 pounds |
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"ANTIQUE
MINING EQUIPMENT AND COLLECTIBLES",
By
D. Pearson and R. Bommarito, 172 pages, 11” X 8 1/2”, more than 450
color photos, pictorial soft cover. This
book was conceived as an attempt to provide collectors, dealers, and the
general public with one readily available source to refer to, for
information and current values
about mining equipment and collectibles.
In some geographical areas mining artifacts are looked upon as
oddities and often go wanting for buyers.
With the advent of the internet and online auction buying, times
are changing and the selling of many overlooked items is now being
actively pursued on the internet. With
this in mind, the authors have provided an overview of the types of mining
memorabilia that are generally found in basements, garages, old mine
sites, and etc. The topics
include a wealth of information on miniatures, bottles, tobacco tins,
assay equipment, books, candlesticks, carbide lamps, clothing, explosive
gear (cap tins, powder boxes, and detonators), fraternal and political
badges, grease lamps, gold screens, hand tools, heavy equipment, jewelry,
knives and guns, lunch pails, metal signs, oil lamps, ore samples and
nuggets, paper (catalogs, checks, deeds and claim documents, government
publications, script, and stock certificates), phones and communication
equipment, historical photographs, prospecting gear, safety lamps, scales
(assaying scales, pocket scales, and weight sets), spoons, strong boxes,
surveying equipment, tokens (tool checks), and other mining collectibles.
The book is fully indexed, and contains a wealth of information on
the life of miners and their and mining equipment and tools in the days
when the American old west was open to prospecting and mining for the
individual fortune hunter, as well as a source of income for those willing
to risk life and limb underground for their daily sustenance.
Published by Schiffer Publishing Ltd.,
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"BENEATH OUR FEET" – The Rocks of Planet Earth – By
Prof. Ron Vernon, 216 pages, 10 1/4" X 8 1/4", cloth binding,
over 170 color photographs. "Beneath our Feet" reveals the
wondrous beauty and variety of the rocks and minerals all around us.
Spectacular photographs of geological formations are included, both under
and on the surface. Examples include rocks formed deep within the Earth
that have flowed and deformed, rocks ejected from volcanoes, rocks shaped
and formed by erosion on the Earth’s surface, as well as
extraterrestrial rocks that have crashed into our planet. Numerous
additional color photographs show microscopic views, as well as thin
sections of rock types and illustrate their structure and composition. The
photos are accompanied by clear and nontechnical explanations of the main
processes responsible for creating rocks and minerals inside, as well as
on the surface of the planet. No other current book so cogently explains
the nature and origin of rocks – it is a must have purchase for a
wide-ranging audience from professional scientists, to amateur collectors,
to anyone interested in natural history and the earth sciences. Published
by Cambridge University Press, 2000. Shipping weight: 3 pounds Order Item BK0015 Price: $50.00 |
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"CAMBRIDGE
GUIDE TO MINERALS, ROCKS, AND FOSSILS",
By A. Bishop, A. Woolley, and Order Item BK0025 Price: $22.95 |
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“A CATALOGUE OF THE MINERALS OF TASMANIA”, by R. S. Bottrill and W. E. Baker, Tasmanian Geological Survey Bulletin 73, 254 pages, 12” X 8 1/2”, with 314 color photographs of Tasmanian mineral specimens, and several maps highlighting the major mineral localities, pictorial soft cover. Catalogues of the minerals found in Tasmania have been kept since almost the earliest days of mining and have been of invaluable assistance to prospectors, mineral explorers, mineralogists and collectors.The Catalogue of the Minerals of Tasmania was first published by the Tasmanian Department of Mines in 1910, and was extensively revised in 1969. All entries in the 1969 catalogue have been re-evaluated by the authors for the new Catalogue, and are now reclassified as to their known, or likely validity. Species invalidated or doubted from the 1969 listing have been retained, with comments. Since 1969 the improvements in technology, as well as further investigations of minerals and mineral deposits, have increased the number of identified species and data on mineral occurrences. New technology and analytical methods have also allowed the authors to update the information on many previously reported species. A total of 753 minerals are described, comprising 483 confirmed species, 162 unconfirmed species, 72 variety or invalid names, and 36 series and group names. Click here for a sample of the contents. This new book contains several appendices: Glossary of Geological, Mineralogical and Other Technical Terms and Abbreviations, Chemical Elements and Groups, and Listing of Minerals, Recent Changes to Mineral Nomenclature, Safety Precautions With Mineral Collecting, Detail Listing of Mineral Photos, and Geographic Locations. Published by the Tasmanian Geological Survey, 2008. ISBN: 978072464028 |
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“COLLECTOR’S GUIDE TO THE AXINITE GROUP”, by Dr. Robert J. Lauf, 96 pages, 11” X 8 1/2”, with 97 color photos, plus several tables and figures, including crystal drawings illustrating the habits often taken by Axinite group crystals. Pictorial soft cover. This volume continues a series of monographs on important groups of so-called rock forming silicates, the purpose of which is to help mineral collectors gain a better appreciation of these complex minerals. Among rock-forming minerals, the Axinite group, although small, is well known to collectors through the spectacularly sharp crystals that have been collected in quantity at Dal’negorsk and Puiva in Russia, and at Tomas and in the Kharan district in Pakistan in recent years. Axinites are occasionally cut as gemstones, and indeed the mineral Axinite-(Mg) was first described (as Magnesio-axinite) from a faceted stone in the collection of the British Museum. The author considered it especially timely to take a detailed look at the Axinite group because the nomenclature of the group has recently been addressed by a committee of the International Mineralogical Association (IMA) and the names of three of the four species have been changed. The book is organized as follows: After a brief introduction, the general treatment begins with an explanation of the chemistry and taxonomy of the group. A section on their formation and geochemistry explains the kinds of environments where Axinites are formed. Then, a detailed entry for each mineral provides extensive locality information, including full-color photos wherever possible, so that collectors can see what good specimens look like, as well as which minerals one might expect to find in association with Axinites. This book is a must have for mineral collectors everywhere. Published by Schiffer Publishing Company, Atglen, PA, 2009. ISBN:
978-0-7643-3216-6 |
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“COLLECTOR’S GUIDE TO THE EPIDOTE GROUP”, By Dr. Robert Lauf, 96 pages, 11” X 8 ½”, with 92 color photos plus several tables, diagrams, and crystal drawings, soft cover. Ninety-two color photos display minerals of the Epidote group, well known to mineral collectors for their rich colors, diversity of habits, and the many interesting minerals with which they occur. Lapidary artists also value Epidote, particularly in the form of Unakite, as well as precious or semiprecious varieties of the related mineral Zoisite, including Thulite and Tanzanite, some of which have inclusions that allow them to be cut into popular cat’s eye gems. This informative book provides data on all presently known Epidote group species, with detailed entries for each of the eighteen minerals, and extensive locality information. The Epidote group will also be of great interest to geochemists, and is the subject of research on a number of fronts. Mineral collectors will find the data and photos invaluable in developing a better understanding of the Epidote group, and of silicate minerals in general. This concise monograph provides a timely review of the Epidote group, including recent changes in nomenclature and in-depth information on all presently known species. After a brief introduction, the general treatment begins with an explanation of the chemistry and taxonomy of the group with supporting tables to illustrate the logic of their classification and relationships to one another. A section on their formation and geochemistry explains the kinds of environments where Epidote group minerals form. Then, a detailed entry for each mineral provides extensive locality information and full-color photos wherever possible so that collectors can see what good specimens look like, and which minerals one might expect to find in association with the various members of the Epidote group. In addition to the references cited, the author also gives a comprehensive list of other publications suggested for further reading on the subject. Published by Schiffer Publishing Company, Atglen, PA, 2008.Shipping weight: 2
pounds |
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“COLLECTOR’S GUIDE TO FLUORITE”, by Dr. Arvid E. Pasto, 96 pages, 11” X 8 1/2”, with 143 color photos, plus several tables and figures, including crystal drawings illustrating the combinations of habits often taken by Fluorite crystals. Pictorial soft cover. All mineral collectors have at least some acquaintance with Fluorite, perhaps partly because it is ubiquitous in nature. Furthermore, it has been an important industrial commodity for centuries and is a minor ornamental material as well. For the beginning collector, the mineral presents a fascinating array of colors, habits, and associated minerals and is widely available, usually at a modest cost. For the advanced collector, spectacularly large “museum quality” specimens can be had, limited only by the collector’s budget. For the more scientifically minded, Fluorite presents a wealth of opportunities to see crystallography, geochemistry, and solid-state physics at work in the natural world. This book is intended for all of these groups, and includes information for the hobby collector or rockhound, as well as technical information for those who want to understand Fluorite in greater depth, i.e., the mineral’s physical, chemical, and optical properties. Extensive references are provided for further study on the formation and geographic locations of Fluorite. Recognizing that it is impossible for a volume of this size to do justice to the thousands of reported localities, emphasis is placed on those localities, worldwide, from which the collector is most likely to be able to find a specimen for purchase, or to be able to see an example in a museum. All Fluorite specimens illustrated are from the private collection of Dr. Pasto, an avid Fluorite collector for more than 25 years. Published by Schiffer Publishing Company, Atglen, PA, 2009. ISBN: 978-0-7643-3193-0 |
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“COLLECTOR’S GUIDE TO THE MICA GROUP”,
By Dr. Robert Lauf, 96 pages, 11” X 8 ½”, with 115 color photos
plus several tables and crystal drawings, soft cover.
The Micas are a group of about forty
pseudohexagonal, monoclinic silicate minerals characterized by a molecular
sheet structure and a perfect basal cleavage. They are often common
rock-forming minerals and occur in igneous, metamorphic, and sedimentary
deposits. The group offers many attractive examples worthy of a place in
any general, systematic, or display collection. For the advanced
collector, the mica group provides rich opportunities to assemble a
specialty collection along a number of interesting themes. Many members
of the Mica group display a fascinating variety of colors and habits, and
are often associated with gem crystals. A few Micas are of interest to
lapidary artists, and many are important industrial commodities.
After a brief
introduction, the general treatment begins with an explanation of the
chemistry and taxonomy of the group with supporting tables to illustrate
the logic of their classification and relationships to one another. A
section on their formation and geochemistry explains the kinds of
environments where members of the Mica group form.
A detailed entry for each member of the Mica
group includes information on where each mineral has been found,
associations of Micas with other minerals, pseudomorphs (minerals that
masquerade as Mica), and Micas that fluoresce under ultraviolet (UV)
light. In addition to the references cited, the author also gives a
comprehensive list of other publications suggested for further reading on
the subject. Published by Schiffer Publishing Company, Atglen, PA, 2008.
Shipping weight: 2
pounds |
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”COLLECTOR’S GUIDE TO THE THREE PHASES OF TITANIA” (Rutile, Anatase, and Brookite), by Dr. Robert J. Lauf, 96 pages, 11” X 8 1/2”, with 107 color photos, plus several tables and figures, including crystal drawings illustrating the habits often taken by Rutile, Anatase, and Brookite. Pictorial soft cover. This monograph is devoted to the three common titanium dioxide (TiO2) minerals, namely, Rutile, Anatase, and Brookite. For completeness, mention is also made of the two very rare high pressure phases that can be found in heavily shocked rocks associated with meteorite impacts. The titanium dioxide system is perhaps unique in that all three of the common phases can be found in large, well-formed crystals at many localities around the world. As a result, each of these minerals is of great interest to collectors. Rutile is of some interest to the lapidary artist as well, mainly for its role in the formation of both rutilated Quartz and star Sapphire. Rutile, Anatase and Brookite are also highly sought after by collectors of rare gemstones. The minerals are also important industrial commodities that can literally be found in some form in virtually every household. In light of the spectacular finds of Anatase and Brookite in Pakistan in the last five years, the world class Anatase crystals found in Norway, as well as the numerous localities for Rutile in Brazil, Russia, and the United States, the author considered it timely to take a detailed look at the three minerals, not only with respect to their “classic localities” but also their fascinating diversity of forms and the examples they provide of such phenomena as oriented growth, twinning, and pseudomorphism. The book is organized as follows: After a brief introduction, the general treatment begins with an explanation of the structures of Rutile, Anatase, and Brookite and their phase relations. A section on their formation and geochemistry explains the types of environments where these minerals are formed. Then, a detailed entry for each mineral provides information on important localities and full-color photos so that collectors can see what good specimens look like and how the minerals illustrate interesting mineralogical phenomena. In contrast to many encyclopedias and field guides that (because of practical limitations) attempt to present one photo as a representative of a particular mineral, the specimens illustrated in this guide were selected to present as broad a range as possible. It is the author’s belief that the collector will benefit from seeing many different examples of each particular mineral, even if some specimens are superficially similar, because each specimen has its own story to tell. As in Dr. Lauf’s earlier volumes, the photographs for this work were not selected to showcase extremely expensive museum pieces or purported “best in the world” specimens, but instead were provided to illustrate good specimens that an interested collector could actually hope to obtain and study. For anyone fascinated by minerals, this book will provide a treasured source of useful information. Published by Schiffer Publishing Company, Atglen, PA, 2009. ISBN: 978-0-7643-3268-5 |
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“COLLECTOR’S GUIDE TO THE VESUVIANITE GROUP”, by Dr. Robert J. Lauf, 96 pages, 11” X 8 1/2”, with 97 color photos, plus several tables and figures, including crystal drawings illustrating the habits often taken by Vesuvianite group minerals. Pictorial soft cover. This volume continues a series of monographs on important groups of so-called rock forming silicates, the purpose of which is to help mineral collectors gain a better appreciation of these complex minerals. Crystallized specimens are found throughout the world, in a variety of forms and colors, and Vesuvianite is also a minor gem material. Among rock-forming minerals, the Vesuvianite group is perhaps best known to mineral collectors through the colorful crystals that have been collected in recent years at the Jeffrey quarry, Asbestos, Quebec, Canada. Spectacular contemporary finds in China and Pakistan have added to the interest in this mineral group. The “new” species Wiluite was known informally for several hundred years (and considered to be a variety of Vesuvianite) before recently being elevated to species status. Other recently-described species are Manganvesuvianite and Fluorvesuvianite. Vesuvianite is occasionally cut as a gem, making it of some interest to lapidaries. The book is organized as follows: After a brief introduction, the general treatment begins with an explanation of the chemistry and taxonomy of the group and a discussion of ongoing research into problems such as optically anomalous crystals. A section on their formation and geochemistry explains the kinds of environments where Vesuvianite group minerals are formed. Then, a detailed entry for each mineral provides information on important localities and full-color photos wherever possible, so that collectors can see what good specimens look like, and which minerals one might expect to find in association with Vesuvianite group minerals. As in earlier volumes in this series, the photographs were not selected to showcase extremely expensive “museum pieces” or purported “best in the world” specimens, but instead, the photographs illustrate good specimens that an interested collector could actually hope to obtain and study. An extensive list of references is included, for those wishing to study the minerals of the Vesuvianite group in greater detail. Published by Schiffer Publishing Company, Atglen, PA, 2009. ISBN:
978-0-7643-3215-9 |
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NEW
TITLE “CHINA I” – SPECIAL ISSUE OF THE “MINERALOGIAL RECORD” MAGAZINE, Edited by Wendell Wilson, 11” X 8”, 136 pages, Jan-Feb 2005, Vol. 36, No. 1, soft cover. At last, the “Mineralogical Record” has put together a collection of articles containing detailed information about Chinese minerals and localities, written by authoritative museum staff members, dealers, and collectors. The history of Chinese mining, a 3,000-year tradition, is given a brief overview, followed by chapters covering the geology of China, and mineral dealing in China. Featured localities include the Daoping Mine (Pyromorphite locality), Tongbei area (Spessartine Garnet locality), Xuebaoding (Scheelite locality), an overview of Chinese Fluorite occurrences, and Chinese Cinnabar occurrences in Guizhou and Hunan Provinces. A Guide to Mineral Localities in China is the final chapter, and this information is well worth the price of the book alone, with 14 pages of complete locality information given by mine name, county, latitude/longitude, province, and a list of known minerals from each locality. Now there is no more guesswork about how to label Chinese minerals – the authors of this article have spelled out the locality information in detail. They have also added a little information about the geography, geology, mining history, and political geography to round out the data and make it more meaningful. Published by the Mineralogical Record magazine, Tucson, Arizona, 2005. Order Item MR36-1 Shipping weight: 2 pounds Price: $20. |
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NEW TITLE “CHINA II” – SPECIAL ISSUE OF THE “MINERALOGIAL RECORD” MAGAZINE -- Edited by Wendell Wilson, 11” X 8”, 88 pages, Jan-Feb 2007, Vol. 38, No. 1, soft cover. This excellent and informative special issue of the “Mineralogical Record” magazine covers the following special topics / localities:
Order Item MR38-1 |
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NEW
TITLE “COLLECTING FLUORESCENT MINERALS”, By Stuart Schneider, 192 pages, 8 1/2” X 11”, with 846 color photos on high quality glossy paper, pictorial soft cover. Since collecting fluorescent minerals is a visual experience, the author has dedicated an enormous amount of time to preparing the 846 color photographs in the book. Illustrations include several very interesting photographs of the mine dumps at both Franklin and Sterling Hill, however, he has featured more than 800 color photos of fluorescent mineral specimens in both daylight, as well as under shortwave and / or longwave ultraviolet. The first chapter covers tips on field collecting, definitions of some of the common terms used in collecting fluorescent and phosphorescent minerals, notes on crystallized and massive fluorescent minerals, and comments about the various ultraviolet lamps used in collecting fluorescent minerals. The second chapter contains information on important fluorescent mineral producing localities – Franklin / Sterling Hill, New Jersey, Mont St. Hilaire and Oka in Canada, the Purple Passion Mine and other localities in Yavapai County, Arizona, Balmat, New York, localities in California and Mexico, followed by information on several collecting localities in southern Greenland. Chapter three describes classic fluorescent minerals, i.e., minerals most often found represented in fluorescent mineral collections, and also gives information on collecting radioactive minerals. All of the above is in the first 31 pages! Chapter four, i.e., pages 32 through 189, contains the color illustrations – a fantastic collection of color photographs of fluorescent minerals illustrated in both daylight, as well as in either SW or LW UV. Several close-up photos are included, and a few examples illustrate phosphorescence or tenebrescence. Very important -- a color chart is included, covering the 28 basic, i.e., most often encountered fluorescent colors. Each color in the chart has a 1” X 1” square box with the color reproduced inside the box, and the word (like purple-blue) written inside the colored box. No more confusion about fluorescent colors! This handy chart will undoubtedly become a worldwide standard reference for collectors in the future. The final chapter includes information on collecting organizations, clubs, and museums where fluorescent mineral collections are on display, a list of mineral dealers, and a list of mineral lights and other supplies, followed with a brief section on mining collectibles. The index is very thorough, including the names of the minerals, as well as key localities where fluorescent minerals have been found. This book contains a wealth of information and should appeal to the beginner, as well as to the advanced collector. Published by Schiffer Publishing, Ltd., Atglen, PA, 2004. Shipping weight: 3 pounds Order Item BK0035 Price: $29.95 |
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"COLLECTING THE NATURAL WORLD" - By D. Wolberg
and P. Reinard, 6 X 9" size, 288 pages, soft cover. Subtitled "Legal
Requirements and Personal Liability for Collecting Plants, Animals, Rocks, Minerals, and
Fossils" this book is a concise guide to the legal intricacies of collecting on both
public and private lands. Whether you are a professional, an amateur, a hobbyist, a
weekend Gold panner, metal detector buff, or simply a lover of nature, this book will be
useful no matter where your collecting passion takes you in the United States. Published
by Geoscience Press, Inc., Tucson, AZ, 1995. Shipping weight: 3 pounds Order Item BK0040 Price: $24.00 |
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