Southern Africa boasts many spectacular examples of rocks and minerals; volcanic lavas make up the dramatic Drakensberg mountain range, granite mountains form stunning scenery in Namibia and Zimbabwe, and some of the most ancient rocks on Earth – over 3 000 million years old – are to be found on the subcontinent. The region is home to many important and interesting minerals, as well as a wide array of beautiful gemstones – diamonds from South Africa, emeralds from Zimbabwe and tourmalines from Namibia.

Field Guide to Rocks and Minerals of Southern Africa is the first definitive field guide to document the common, rare and unusual rocks and minerals of South Africa, Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Lesotho, Swaziland and southern Mozambique. Supported by more than 500 full-colour photographs, the text describes in detail a wide range of the region’s common and attractive rocks and minerals. Authoritative information is presented in a user-friendly manner and is enlivened by box and panel features. It will appeal to mineral collectors, geologists, gemologists, students, and anyone with an interest in the natural environment.