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These are some of our favorite books that cover geology, rocks, minerals and the sights we see while driving around Arizona. These are all easy to read and understand and all are available for just a few dollars each. With a few of these you can learn a lot more about the mountains, rocks and geology you'll discover around Arizona.

	A Guide To Rocks & Fossils Arthur B Busbey, Robert R Coenraads. Paul Willis, David Roots A Large, heavy paperback full of breathtaking color photos and illustrations. 288 pages *I got this one as a gift. lots of good pictures. I have not read it though. It's too big to take with on hikes*
	Physical Geology Charles C Plummer, David McGeary Physical Geology is a market-leading classic that has been used in classrooms for over 20 years. Updated to include the latest technology and most current information, Physical Geology is for both non-science majors and for students contemplating majoring in geology. The beautiful new art program and interactive writing style will grab students' attention and further their interest in geology. 592 pages This is my book from Geology 101 in college. Good book, lots of basic info, seen a lot of use. Too large to take with on hikes
	A Guide to the Geology of Sabino Canyon and the Catalina Highway: Coronado National Forest 45 pages *Simple book, good info on the area. Good pictures. I have not read it all*
	Index of mining properties in Pima County, Arizona by Stanton B Keith 156 pages University of Arizona (1974) *Interesting if you plan to explore the area. I bought mine at the USGS in downtown Tucson, Arizona*
	A Guide to Geology of White Mountains *I bought this one at the visitor center in Springerville (I think) Good info about the area*
Filled with expert advice based on years of experience, Gem Trails of Arizona is an invaluable guide for the rockhound just starting out. For the experienced collector who has searched for Arizona's mineral resources for years, it is an outstanding source for the best collecting sites throughout this scenic state. 224 pages	Gem Trails of Arizona by James R. Mitchell, James R. Michell, and Bessie Simpson Arizona is known the world over for its rich abundance and variety of geological treasures. Newly revised, the fourth edition of this best-selling guide updates the well-known sites and features twenty new locations for collecting rocks, minerals, crystals and fossils. Situated in landscape as diverse as the minerals themselves, these sites vary from arid desert to pine covered peaks. Includes over 90 collecting sites. Detailed text describes where to go and what to look for at each collecting area. Maps for each site lead the rockhound to an almost limitless supply of specimens. Black and white photographs picture the collecting areas. Color photographs highlight beautiful specimens. A new glossary makes it easier to locate that special specimen for your collection. *Great book I use this one all the time. it goes with me on most trips I take around AZ. I stop and visit the areas i drive near when I have the time*
	National Audubon Society Field Guide to North American Rocks and Minerals Perfect for mountain climbers and hikers, this valuable reference covers more rocks and minerals in North America than any other available guide. 794 full-color photographs depict all the important rocks, gems, and minerals -- in many variations of color and crystal form -- and the natural environments in which they occur; written descriptions provide information on field marks, similar rocks and minerals, environment, areas of occurrence, and derivation of names. Includes a guide to mineral collecting and a list of rock-forming minerals *I've owned this book since I was a kid. not too useful for collecting, but great for helping to identify items*
It also describes where to view mineral specimens and prehistoric artifacts at Grand Canyon and Petrified Forest national parks, as well as on tribal lands. Brimming with advice on collecting and preparing gems and minerals, this handy book also includes maps and directions to each site and directories to museums, rock shops, and major public land areas. For the beginner, Rockhounding Arizona offers a complete introduction to this many-faceted hobby. For the expert, it is an outstanding guide and source-book.168 pages	Rockhounding Arizona by Gerry Blair Here are forests of petrified wood, veins of brilliant turquoise, and troves of facet-grade garnet, peridot, and amethyst-in all, more than 640 mineral species that make Arizona a rockhound's paradise. In Rockhounding Arizona, formerly The Rockhound's Guide to Arizona, expert rockhound Gerry Blair describes more than seventy of the state's best rockhounding areas, from jasper hunting in the historic mining district near Bagdad to searching for gold in the Superstition Mountains and digging for turquoise at the foot of the Hieroglyphic Range. This guidebook covers popular and commercial sites as well as numerous little-known sites. *Another great book that travels with us. It's small and packed with interesting places to visit around Arizona*
	Simon & Schuster's Guide to Rocks and Minerals Practical, concise, and easy to use, Simon & Schuster's Guide to Rocks and Minerals contains everything that the rock and mineral enthusiast needs to know. This field guide is divided into two large sections -- one devoted to minerals and one to rocks, each prefaced by a comprehensive introduction that discusses formation, chemistry, and more. All 377 entries, beautifully illustrated with color photographs and helpful visual symbols, provide descriptions and practical information about appearance, classification, rarity, crystal formation, mode of occurrence, gravity of mineral, rock chemistry, modal classification fields, formational environments, grain sizes of rocks, and much more. Whether you are a serious collector or an information-seeking amateur, this incomparably beautiful, authoritative guide will prove an invaluable reference. 607 pages I like this book but it stays home. Lots of good pictures
	Roadside Geology of Arizona by Halka Chronic Roadside Geology of AZ Another one that travels with us on road trips around Arizona. Good info that relates the roads you are driving along

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Books about Arizona Geology