Bruce Cairncross is Professor Emeritus in the Department of Geology at the University of Johannesburg. He is semi-retired, but continues his research and publications documenting southern Africa’s mineralogical heritage. He has authored twelve books and over 200 articles on the region’s minerals and gemstones.
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Minerals and Gemstones of Southern Africa
Southern Africa is home to many important and interesting minerals, as well as a wide array of beautiful gemstones – including diamonds from South Africa, emeralds from Zimbabwe and tourmalines from Namibia. Minerals & Gemstones of Southern Africa is not only the most up-to-date publication on the minerals of Botswana, Eswatini, Lesotho, Namibia, South Africa, southern Mozambique and Zimbabwe, but also the first to feature the region’s gemstones. Mineral species descriptions detail their gemological properties, history, occurrence and uses, and are illustrated with striking fullcolour photographs. The book includes:
– An introduction to the geology of the region
– Detailed descriptions of minerals, including their gemological properties, history, occurrence and uses
– Multiple full-colour photographs of the species -
Minerals & Gemstones of East Africa
East Africa is famous for its world-class gemstones and mineral specimens, most notably the highly sought-after blue tanzanite, found only in Tanzania in a very small area in the northeast. Many other minerals and gemstones are mined in the region and this is the first publication to showcase and examine those occurring in the five countries that make up East Africa – Kenya, Tanzania, Rwanda, Uganda and Burundi.
The book includes:
An introduction to the fascinating geology of the region, including a map depicting underlying geology and mineral occurrence
Detailed descriptions of minerals, including their gemological properties, history, occurrence and diverse uses across all spheres of life (from jewellery to numerous household items and even space-shuttle components)
Multiple full-colour photographs of each mineral and gem specimenAn invaluable reference for collectors, gemologists, students and anyone with an interest in the earth sciences.
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First Field Guide: Gemstones
Sasol First Field Guide to Gemstones of Southern Africa is a fascinating guide to the gemstones of the region. Full-colour photo graphs and easy-to-read text will help the beginner and budding naturalist to identify the more common gemstones that occur in southern Africa, discover where they are found, and learn about their unusual features.
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Eerste veldgids: Gesteentes & Minerale Suid Afrika
Eerste Veldgids tot Gesteentes & Minerale, die jongste toevoeging tot die gewilde Struik Nature-reeks, stel die belangrikste en interessantste gesteentes en minerale van ons geologies opwindende streek bekend.
Die gids beskryf 30 minerale en 18 belangrike soorte gesteentes, met die klem op dié wat die bekendste of algemeenste is. ’n Kort inleiding gee ’n oorsig van die onderwerp; kleurryke foto’s van die gesteentes en minerale sowel as van die besondere terrein waarin hulle voorkom, vul die helder teks deurgaans aan en help met uitkenning in die veld.
Eerste Veldgids tot Gesteentes & Minerale is ’n nuttige hulpmiddel vir die aspirant-geoloog, weetgierige amateur, of enigeen met ’n ontluikende belangstelling in Suider-Afrika se unieke geologiese erfenis.
Also available in English
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First Field Guide: Rocks & Minerals of Southern Africa
First Field Guide to Rocks & Minerals, the latest addition to the popular Struik Nature series, introduces the most important and interesting rocks and minerals from our geologically exciting region. The guide details 30 minerals and 18 major rock types, focusing on those that are best known or most commonly found. A short introduction provides an overview of the topic; colourful photographs throughout, both of the rocks and minerals and of the particular terrain in which they are found, complement the clear text and aid identification in the field.
First Field Guide to Rocks & Minerals is a useful resource for the beginner geologist, curious novice, or anyone with a budding interest in southern Africa’s unique geological heritage.
Ook Beskikbaar in Afrikaans