The Treasure Hunter's Gem & Mineral Guides to the U.S.A.: Where & How to Dig, Pan, and Mine Your Own Gems & Minerals : Southeast States (Treasure Hunter's Gem & Mineral Guides)

Rating:
Summary: Gem and Mineral Guide ( Northeast)
Review: A real disappointment. I have looked over the "Quadrant" series by Eckart and it was much better. I would recommend a book search for the "Gems and Minerals of America" by Jay Ellis Ransom, it has much more comprehensive information and a lot more than even the "Quadrant" series contains. But of course local "collecting guides" are even better. Contact the clubs in the area you are going to visit and see if they will let you go on one of their field trips or suggest a location. I'm VP of the Montgomery Gem and Mineral Society, we would love to take you on a trip.

Rating:
Summary: A "must" for novice rock hounds and gemstone hunters.
Review: From locating gem and mineral sites to costs, tips on technique, and collecting basics for new prospectors, this provides gem hunters with a solid coverage on everything needed to locate and identify a find. Also included: mine tours and museums, gem and mineral sites, and travel information particular to the region in mention. Southwest Treasure Hunter's Gem & Mineral Guide covers Arizona, California, Colorado, Hawaii and Kansas but the gem hunting details will prove accessible to an even wider audience.

Rating:
Summary: Big Disappointment
Review: I made the mistake of buying this book NW, as well as NE and SE site unseen hoping it was something like Eckert's series. I was very disapointed. Very few sites are listed, most of those are very well known sites. In fact all of the sites listed in some states are only for mining or mineral museums! This may be a good book for kids or someone just getting started, but since Eckert's book has been republished, I really would point them there first. In fact, 5 minutes on the web can locate all the mining museums located in this book. Save your money for the Eckert series.

Rating:
Summary: A real disapointment for 'rock hounds'. Ok for kids.
Review: I made the mistake of buying this book SE, as well as NE and NW site unseen hoping it was something like Eckert's series. I was very disapointed. Very few sites are listed, most of those are very well known sites. In fact all of the sites listed in some states are only for mining or mineral museums! This may be a good book for kids or someone just getting started, but since Eckert's book has been republished, I really would point them there first. In fact, 5 minutes on the web can locate all the mining museums located in this book. Save your money for the Eckert series.

Rating:
Summary: SOUTHWEST edition is excellent and useful
Review: Re: SOUTHWEST edition

Some of the other reviews seem to be looking at the NE or a different book. This is about the SOUTHWEST edition, which is excellent!

Sure, there is some information for tourists, special events, museum hours, camping and guide services. But that's not all!

What about the excellent material on mining techniques?! The chapter on "Equipment and Safety Precautions" is very valuable for all newcomers, serious hobbyists, and children.

Other great chapters: Mining Techniques, Notes on Gem Faceting-Cabbing-Mounting, separate Indexes by State and by Gem, State Gem and Mineral Symbols. Some nice map drawings.

More ... Equipment & Clothing: Not only what you need and where to find it, but also how to make it yourself!

More ... the authors ask for your own pesonal "Rockhounding Story" (page 184). How many books do that?

How many books tell you WHERE to find you birthstone?

More ... the back of the book contains eight great pages of advertising for OTHER related source books and also some equipment!

Rating:
Summary: Gem and Mineral Guide ( Northeast)
Review: This book is loaded with useless information. If your looking for someplace to mine gold or gems. This book will not tell you. It does however provide you with guide services contact information.So if your looking for a river or area in your state where you can pan some gold. Don't look in this book! I didn't see anything you can't see in the yellow pages of your local phone book.

Rating:
Summary: Not a good value.
Review: Very few sites listed, and mostly out-of-date info. Of no use in planning a trip. Save your money.