Handbook for Prospectors

Richard M. Pearl (1913-1980) was a Professor of Geology at Colorado College, where he taught for more than 30 years. As a leading author in the field of mineral education, he wrote over 35 books and was Editor-In-Chief of "Earth Science" magazine. This guide to every facet of prospecting and mineral industries is based on the famous Von Bernewitz classics that for years were the primary reference for geologists, mining men, professional prospectors, and mineral enthusiasts the world over. The text has been totally rewritten and reorganized to meet the needs of today's rockhound-prospector and is, if possible, more readable, better illustrated, more extensive in its coverage yet easier to use. Treatment of each topic is complete, authoritative, and scientifically accurate, yet the style throughout is simple and direct. Unnecessary technical jargon is avoided. A balanced, systematic format includes the historical development of the major aspects of the field and offers a solid introduction to the beginner, but the practical orientation and thorough coverage make the work immensely useful to the professional as well. This volume is divided into eight main sections, the first of which surveys the general aspects of prospecting. Part 2 deals with the actual methodology, while Parts 3, 4, and 5 cover the fundamental mineralogy, petrology, and geology of mineral deposits, the metallic minerals of greatest value, and the non-metallic minerals and rocks. The next section describes sampling and testing, developing a prospect into a mine, treating ore, and disposing of the property. The handbook is generously illustrated with original drawings and photographs, and it contains, in convenient form, the numerous data lists and tables essential to successful prospecting, together with a guide to the many aids which the rockhound can now draw upon. Measurements are given in both metric and English systems. Every topic is thoroughly indexed.