Minerals of South Africa / The Geological Society of South Africa ( The Archaean; The Proterozoic;; The Phanerozoic )( Geology; Eastern Cape Province; KwaZulu Natal Deposits; Cave Deposits; Kimberlites; Karoo Group, etc)

South Africa: Johannesburg, SA: Geological Society of South Africa, 1999, 1st Edition, 2nd Printing , 1999. -----------( 2nd printing of the 1st edition ) ---hardcover, a Near Fine example,in a lightly rubbed Near Fine dustjacket, 290 pages, colour photos throughout, ---"South Africa, land of legendary mineral wealth, hosts some of the world's greatest ore deposits and mineral fields. After well over a century of mining, mineral exports still account for nearly 60% of the country's foreign exchange earnings. The geological community has played an important role in the development of these resources and the Geological Society's Centennial Congress slogan, "South Africa - Land of Geological Superlatives" aptly describes this bountiful heritage. -----Mineral wealth may conjure up visions of gold and platinum bars, piles of coal ready for export, iron ore, manganese and huge iron and steel works. Less obvious, however, are the exceptional variety of beautiful, pristine mineral specimens frequently associated with the major mineral deposits and with many other geological formations throughout the country. -----This publication, which is the result of painstaking research and documentation of information by the authors, Professor Bruce Caircross and Mr Roger Dixon, particularly over the past five years, brings to life, for the first time, and in vivid colour, our mineral heritage. Many of the important localities where specimens are to be found have been visited by the authors who have collected an impressive amount of data. They have also, in the course of their research, visited and photographed specimens from many of the private and big institutional collections and, as a result, have been able to illustrate hundreds of mineral specimens in their true colour. In compiling the text, and because of space constraints, they have concentrated mainly on the beautiful, rare and scientifically important examples -----The book, which deals exclusively with minerals found in South Africa, is unique in that it combines mineral illustrations with descriptions, geological settings, historical information and locality maps. It highlights many areas where mineral specimens are to be found including the world-famous Kalahari manganese field, the Witwatersrand goldfield and others. A feature is the alphabetical, illustrated reference section in which are listed the "type-specimens" which were first discovered and described in South Africa. A comprehensive bibliography concludes the very useful reference section. ----When the Geological Society began planning a series of events for its centennial year, the council accepted, with great enthusiasm, the opportunity to act as publishers for this book, as well as its companion volume, "The Fossils of Southern Africa", by Dr Colin MacRae, to appear as part of the centennial year celebrations. We have in them two most valuable publications written for the public at large, and also for professionals. They will go a long way to encourage an interest in science and more particularly the treasures of the earth. -----"Minerals of South Africa" will bring to the layman a comprehensive introduction to the popular hobby of mineral collecting in this country and encourage hobbyist shops to sell mineral specimens as is done on a major scale in countries such as the United States, Europe and many others. while popular publications on our reptiles, mammals, birds, and plant species abound in bookshops, there is a general lack of publications dealing with the third and arguably the most important pillar of our natural heritage, our rock formations and mineral specimens. This beautifully illustrated book goes a long way in filling the gap"---, any image directly beside this listing is the actual book and not a generic photo ///NOT SIGNED ---GUARANTEED to be AVAILABLE/// ---sizes are approximate (generally within 1/8 inch)---. Later Printing. Hard Cover. Near Fine (see desciption)/Near Fine (see description). Illus. by Photo Cover. 9.25w x 12h Inches. Flap Not Clipped.