Geology is not easy, and this book makes a valiant attempt to simplify the process of identifying rocks, even for the layman with little or no experience. As the author points out, "learning to identify rocks is a risky business".
Even from the first cognitive stages of childhood we are at a disadvantage when it comes to rocks. Early in their development small children learn to identify familiar flowers and animals, and have a name for them. A rock or a pebble on the other hand remains just that - a rock or a pebble, with no clue as to its name, origin or composition, or anything else about it.
It would be a rare parent indeed, who, having encouraged a child to look at a daisy, or a sparrow, followed up with "See that biotite schist, Jenny!"
Yet a better appreciation of rocks and rock formations is within the grasp of the amateur naturalist and citizen scientist. Jürg Meyer has devised a systematic method whereby rocks within the three groups, sedimentary, igneous, and metamorphic, can frequently be identified, with a good degree of accuracy. There will always be difficult samples that defy identification, but this is equally true for scientific geologists who need laboratory samples to confirm their discovery under powerful microscopes.
Furthermore with no more than a keen ability to observe, and a pocket knife and a magnifying glass, component minerals can be identified. If you are really lucky, a fossil or two may make the discovery even more exciting.
Go through this book carefully, learn its methods, apply yourself diligently, and you too can become a cut above the average rock hound.
You should expect no less of yourself!
Rocks and Rock Formations - Princeton University Press
Author: Jürg Meyer
US$19.95 £14.99 - ISBN: 9780691199528
Published: 21 June 2021
192 pages - 534 colour illustrations
5.5 x 8.5 inches (13.75 x 21.25 cm)
