The World’s Finest Minerals And Crystals

By Peter Bancroft
The Viking Press, Inc
1973 SBN 670-79022-2

The Viking Press writes:

The collecting, cutting and polishing of minerals is one of the largest and fastest growing hobbies in the world. In spite of the wide popularity of this activity and the generations of scientific study devoted to mineralogy, there is no known formula for determining the best example of a particular mineral species. Rare and valuable specimens of legendary beauty are scattered n collections around the world. Some are in museums where they may be enjoyed by those people lucky enough to be able to travel to see them; others are in private hands and are seldom seen by the public.

In The World’s Finest Minerals and Crystals, Dr Peter Bancroft has brought together a series of magnificent photographs of outstanding minerals nominated for acclaim by enthusiasts all over the world. A distinguished international panel of judges has participated in choosing the very finest examples for inclusions in the Gallery of plates. In his text, Dr Bancroft tells just how this gallery was selected. He explains how minerals are formed and where they are found, and how some of the world’s finest collections were begun. Modern methods of collecting and conservation are also discussed. Fine minerals are growing increasingly rare, and Dr Bancroft reviews the dangers that threaten both natural sources and specimens already housed in important collections. The notes that accompany each plate describe the history and characteristics of the pictured specimen, tell where other fine examples may be seen, and describe the locations around the globe in which these minerals originate.

The book provides a unique opportunity to view the world’s greatest mineral treasures brought together in a superb gallery of photographs that bring out all the rich glow and sparkle of the originals, and the text takes the reader adventuring abroad to exotic locations in the fascinating realm of mineral collection.

About the author
Dr Peter Bancroft is a collector of minerals, and has lectured in mineralogy in the United States, Bolivia, Brazil, and Australia and has contributed articles to Lapidary Journal and other magazines in this field.