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.

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

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

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