A practical and authoritative guide to identifying minerals, rocks and fossils. An invaluable handbook for amateur collectors and specialists alike, small and compact enough to carry in the pocket or rucksack. The illustrations in this revised edition have been improved to give a truer representation of the colours found in nature.A best-seller in its field since 1974 when it was first published, the 1998 edition has been completely revised and updated, with brand-new, extended introductory sections and appendices. The book has also been completely redesigned to bring it into the 1990s and make it more user friendly.Around 145 colour plates show typical mineral, rock and fossils specimens. The plates were photographed from the Natural History Museum's incredible collection. Over 100 specially commissioned line drawings illustrate the authoritative descriptions of the specimens.The 1998 edition has been updated and revised by two of the original authors (Dr Woolley and Dr Bishop), plus an expert in fossils, all from the world-class Natural History Museum in London.Main map scale: