An introduction to using a telescope and observing the night sky. Telescopes and accessories are explained. There is an introduction to sky charts and their nomenclature. Some sky charts are presented indicating the position of popular celestial objects. There is a section on photography with example photos. Hopefully, there is enough to get you started in this interesting subject. There is also a section on amateur telescope making, how to make your own dobsonian telescope and scotch mount. Finally, there is a list of web links to astronomy sites, manufacturers and dealers of equipment and software.

The Descriptive Handbook of Rocks is a simple guide to the terminology and criteria used in the classification of rocks as well as a general introduction to the many different rocktypes identified by geologists. The determinative tables set out the criteria for classifying rocks and use the international guidelines as set out by the International Union of Geological Sciences (IUGS). In the section on terminology, the terms used in the rock descriptions are defined. Over 300 rock descriptions are included in the section on rocks.

Physical and optical properties of the economic minerals including commodity tables and explanation of terms

The Descriptive Handbook of Rock Forming Minerals is a simple reference book of all rock forming and accessory minerals. There are two listings for each mineral: 1. Physical properties, listing all physical properties and 2. Optical properties, listing all optical properties visible with a polarizing microscope. Where minerals are of a small size or microscopic in nature, only the optical properties are listed for that mineral

Interest in gold in W.A. increased following the 1849 California and 1850's Victorian rushes. A rich find made by Arthur Bayley and William Ford during 1892, in Coolgardie, inspired a small rush. A large amount of gold (over 500 oz) was initially found on Bayley's Reward lease above a quartz reef. Within a month, 3000 oz had been found by 400 prospectors. Soon after, in June 1893, Patrick Hannan, Tom Flanagan and Daniel O'Shea discovered a rich deposit of gold at Mt. Charlotte, Kalgoorlie. This initiated a rush resulting in the discovery of the Kalgoorlie-Boulder "Golden Mile." From here, gold exploration spread throughout the state. The introduction of ground cancelling metal detectors to Australia in 1974 created renewed interest in prospecting that, together with the high price of gold, led to the prospecting boom of the late 1970's and early 80's. The largest nugget ever found in W.A. is the Golden Eagle by Larcombe at Larkinville in 1932. It weighed 1135 oz. Alluvial and reef gold occurs in the Yilgarn, Pilbara and Kimberley districts. Approximately 95% of the states gold production has come from the Yilgarn district, exceeding the Pilbara and Kimberley by far.

Introduction to Gold Prospecting and Fossicking

A reference book of mineral names, their formula and crystal system.