The first part of this handy pocket-sized book presents an overview of the world of rocks and
their setting in Earth. The genesis of magmatic sedimentary and metamorphic rocks is described
in terms of modern concepts of plate tectonics. The most important characteristics of the
rock-forming minerals necessary for identification and characterization as well as the
classification procedures recommended by the International Union of Geosciences are
summarized. The structure and fabric of rocks i.e. the way in which the component mineral
grains are assembled are documented and dealt with as a direct consequence of those specific
and distinct processes that create the contrasting groups of magmatic sedimentary and
metamorphic rocks. The second and major part of this book presents ca. 450 different types of
rocks in structured systematic order. Representative detailed and diagnostic photographs of
hand specimens are combined with concise descriptions for quick and effective reference. At the
end of the book the most important macroscopic properties of the rock-forming minerals are
tabulated and flow charts are provided as an aid to identification. A summary index of all
minerals mentioned in this book together with their chemical formulae is also provided as a
quick reference guide. A first German edition of this book was published in 1987 reprinted
several times and even translated into Spanish and Italian. Expanded and updated editions
followed in 2014 2016 and 2024. This English edition builds on the 2024 German volume but had
to cope with the difficulties of using and defining terms like fabric texture and structure
for an international readership. Texture in particular has been used with completely
different meanings in different languages and disciplines. This book complies with the
recommendations of the International Union of Geosciences. This book addresses students and
professional as well as-non-professional geoscientists both as an initial introduction to the
world of rocks and as a quick diagnostic reference guide in the field and laboratory.
