An excellent introduction to crystallography (and, incidentally, to much basic physics) written in plain language, this is the obvious book to turn 'rock hounds' (adult or teenaged) to a fuller understanding of the background of their hobby and to a greater enjoyment of an amateur interest in geology. The text is supplemented by descriptions of simple (and cheap!) experiments and suggestions for additional reading.
Library Journal
This work is a 'fascinating discussion of the strange ways in which solids form, an excellent hobby book describing ways of growing crystals, and a lucid, penetrating introduction to solid state physics. It can be read on any of these levels; or ideally, on all...[the book] should prove a delight to all readers.
Science