In the introductory chapter there are explanations of the terms used in describing minerals, and of the systems in which they are grouped. A knowledge of the systems may not be a necessity, but it is a great help in determining minerals, and is very important in understanding why the individual minerals take the varied forms which are characteristic of them. These systems will be better understood after a few minerals have been gathered and examined. It is hoped the book will help those who have already some knowledge of rocks and minerals, and especially that it will tempt many to begin an acquaintance with the rocks and minerals which are all about them, and are the foundation on which our material progress is built. Rocks and minerals have some advantages over most objects which are collected in that they neither require special preparation before they can be kept, nor do they deteriorate with time. The author will appreciate corrections or suggestions as to better presentation of the material in this book. F. B. L. Amherst, Mass. CONTENTS PAGE Preface vii CHAPTER I.—An Introduction 3 II.—On the Forms and Properties of Minerals 10 III.—The Minerals 25 IV.—The Rocks 170 V.—Miscellaneous Rocks 248 Bibliography 270 Index 273 LIST OF PLATES (AT END OF BOOK)