FMF - Friends of Minerals Forum, discussion and message board

[Jordi Fabre]

Bill Logan is one of the world's greatest expert of Rhodochrosites and he published few days ago his major book about this fascinating species.

Although Bill is a member of FMF (see: Locality for Rhodochrosite?) I'm afraid is too honest to make publicity of his own book here, so I'm doing it for him ;-)

Although FMF is a not commercial Forum, magazines, books, and all kind of Mineralogical Literature are more than welcome here, so I published below the text that Bill sent recently announcing the issue of his "Rhodochrosite, Crystals of Drama and Nuance" book.

Bill, why you don't add in this thread more details, cover image, table of contents, some inside's page image(s), or something else about the book....?

Hello Everyone,

It is my long-delayed pleasure to announce the release of my book entitled: Rhodochrosite, Crystals of Drama and Nuance..

This represents the only current dedicated text on rhodochrosite, one of the most popular collectable minerals. The story of Sweet Home mine, Colorado, and Wutong mine, China, and N'Chwaning mine, South Africa have all been told. But how much information is published on rhodochrosite finds in Úrkút, Hungary, or Burgin mine, Utah, or Rosebery mine, Tasmania, or any others of the 107 localities reviewed?

Chapters on the History of manganese and rhodochrosite since about 1200AD, Chemical and physical properties, Geologic considerations, Crystallography and twinning, and individual mine histories and characteristics are thorough, but succinct, emphasizing only those matters of interest to the amateur collector. Excessive detail and cumbersome terminology is minimized in the interest of readability.

Throughout, emphasis is placed on the collector with more in-depth discussions of crystal habits and assemblages, pseudomorphs, and casts, principles of aesthetics, criteria of specimen selection and particularly the surprisingly wide range of colors and the mischief of look-alikes.

The 160 pages of text are profusely illustrated with specimens from the author's collection, specimens from thumbnail to large cabinet sizes, from 160 localities and featuring 86 associated species.

Sure, there are gorgeous pictures of the stars from Sweet Home mine to Silverton to Uchucchacua but, mostly, the theme is debunking the myth of unaffordability. This pervasive impression is belied by the numerous fascinating but reasonably priced variations that are readily available.

It is my hope that you will find the book useful, but, more than that, enjoyable reading.

It is available on-line at https://www.blurb.com/b/4541789rhodochrosite in hard cover, soft cover and Ebook form at prices ranging from $55 for the soft cover to $78 for the hard cover and $9.98 for the Ebook..

Please check it out, spread the word and remember: Rhodo-rocks!

Bill Logan

[Charlotte]

Thank you Jordi for the generous words. I am happy to announce the Rhodochrosite book on the Forum. I always like to emphasize that this is a book for collectors. As such, there is the most emphasis on subjects such as crystal habits, a surprisingly wide variety of colors, colorful associates, aesthetics, over 100 localities and guidelines in the evaluation of specimens. I have included 380 photographs from my own collection as illustrations. Considerable attention has been paid to linking the subject and the photographs on the same page for easy reference. Of course, the important geologic factors and pertinent crystallography are discussed but in a more generalized fashion.

One of the themes is an attempt to dispel the notion that collection of Rhodochrosite is simply unaffordable. The headline specimens are out of reach for nearly all of us, but there is much more of interest from the lesser known localities or exceptionally rare and interesting crystal habits that may not be in high demand. I'll see if I can post a few examples.

The book is available on line at https://www.blurb.com/b/4541789-rhodochrosite and I will be selling and signing books at the upcoming Tucson Show courtesy of Robert Stoufer and Buckskin Booksellers. Responses and especially critiques are always welcome.

Thanks, Jordi, for the opportunity to discuss the book. I hope collectors will find it useful.

Bill

[Ed Huskinson]

Good looking book. I plan to pick one up in Tucson in February. Do you have a sense of which dealers (book and otherwise) will be carrying the volume?

[Charlotte]

Ed,

The only bookstore carrying it so far is Buckskin Booksellers in Ouray, Colorado. Generally it will only be available through the on-line publisher at blurb.com

At Tucson, a few books will be for sale also at the Westward Look Show from Leonard Himes at Graeber and Himes.

Thanks for the comment. My friend Jim Robison, sends his regards.

Bill

[Ed Huskinson]

You betcha Bill!! I like the Buckskin guys, and have bought things from them for the last two, maybe three years. I'll still contact Leonared though, to see if he will hold back a copy for me. I consider this to be a must-have reference.

Now that I've given it my imprimater, it may become a difficult item to obtain. We'll see, eh?

Saludos to Sr Robison, an old and dear friend.I hope to see you both in Tucson.

Till then, Merry Christmas, Hoppy Halidays, and a prosperous anno nuevo.

Ed

[chris]

Hi Jordi,

Thanks for the information. Just ordered one from the French site of Blurb. Bill looking forward to read your book about one of my favourite mineral specie.

Christophe

[Charlotte]

Thank you, Christophe. I am interested in all feedback. On line publishing can be kept up to date immediately, so new data or suggestions can be explored and disseminated promptly as needed, thus being available for all subsequent orders. No need for a "second edition".

Bill

[John Cornish]

Hi Bill and all,

Thank you for this exceptional effort. Truly, I will be among a large group who will be looking forward to seeing your book in Tucson!

Question... Have you ever seen rhodochrosite within the famous Mexican Las Choyas geodes? If not, I plan on bringing my specimen to show friends at this next year's Tucson show. If you, or any others would like, please feel free to come by my room at the Hotel Tucson City Center (former Inn Suites), room number 186, and I'll be happy to share and show it to you.

Background... Approximately 6 or so years ago, it was mentioned to me when placing my most recent geode order, that a small zone had been encountered where rhodochrosite had been identified as occurring within the more commonly quartz and calcite lined geodes (other minerals also occur within these geodes including, among other species, some rarer manganese oxide minerals). I noted this, but did not hope to have a chance in recovering such a rare prize.

The prize realized... Several years later, I was cracking geodes in Spokane, Washington for the local Rock Rollers club when blood-red treasure presented itself in a freshly cracked geode. The rhodochrosite crystals, approximately 10 of them, with the largest crystal being up to about a half an inch (13 mm) in width, were exposed in a geode featuring colorless quartz. I was speechless for several moments and then the bartering began!

The story... The kid, a boy, who selected the geode was about 15 or 16 years old. Both his parents accompanied him. I set his specimen into the "cracker", a pipe cutter, and had him crack his own geode. With that accomplished, I carefully grabbed up the geode and shared his new treasure with all those gathered about and then, seeing what was inside, feverish, I began offering trades, his geode for... heck, just about anything!

Now a bit of background, I enjoy a good trade and have some spectacular geodes, usually with exceptional calcites, that I've traded over the years. Always, 100% of the time, if a kid, I call his parent(s) over and usually start my dialog with something like... "This is an incredible geode, a really fine one because of the calcite crystals (or in this case, rhodochrosite) and that I'd like to trade. It is important to me to have the parent there to offer guidance or in this case... TROUBLE!

Mom stepped up, both the kid and the Dad were fine with the trade, but Mom, huh-uh, no way! Mom said, "Do you remember Grandpa's bear-skin rug?" It seems that "Grandpa" had this old rug and that it became quite a conversation piece because of the story that went with it (which I never did hear) and that this geode could be his equivalent as she sited, "You can tell all your friends how the rock man tried to trade it from you and you'll always have that story". The kid, Dad, both were unswayed and wanted to trade, Mom, her hackles were rising and truly, I feared I'd miss out if I didn't come up with solution quick and thus compromised and asked if they'd be willing to trade for half? Mom was still rhodo-red-faced, but this proved to be a good suggestion and finally, with her blessing, I was able to trade for the half with the biggest crystal... Yay, success!

My most recent show in Spokane earlier this year saw the kid and his family return to crack more geodes. The kid was quite enthusiastic to identify himself and me, and I was more than enthusiastic to re-offer a trade for his remaining geode half. He just smiled...

Who knows, maybe one day I'll be able to reunite both halves, but in the meantime, I feel very thankful to have this spectacular and unique rhodochrosite specimen!

All the very best Everyone, take care and happy holidays! See ya,

John

[Charlotte]

Hey, John,
Wow! What a story and what a find. I have never seen rhodochrosite crystals in those or any geode. Massive rhodochrosite filling an agatized geode is the closest I have come and that one was slabbed and polished. Against my rules, but I got it anyway. I will try to get by Inn Suites. I imagine room 186 is your usual one. I would love to see it. How about a trade? ;-)

Incidentally, the odd Chinese crystal I got from you 3 years ago has received two "Wows" in just the last week. I still haven't seen the likes of it. If you don't recall it, it is on page 52.

See you soon. Best wishes for the Holidays.
Bill

[John Cornish]

Hi Bill,

A trade? Chuckling, naw, I'll likely hold onto this one for a bit longer! Still, happy to share the glory!

Thanks for the page 52 heads-up too, just one more reason to look forward to seeing your accomplishment!

Right back at ya, Happy Holidays!!!

John

[chris]

Hi Bill,

I have finished to read my copy. Very comprehensive book every rhodo collector should have. While reading, I've found a few typos. I have sent you a personal message with the typos. Hope it will help improve an already great book.

Cheers

Christophe

[Charlotte]

Chris,
Thanks for your input. I am glad you enjoyed the book. And just as glad to hear of the typos. After chasing innumerable typos and a raft of outside reviews, I am delighted to hear of only a 'few".

Thanks for sending them I know you have my personal email. I will look forward to seeing them. The beauty of on-line publishing is that editing is a snap. I will get right to it.

Thanks again and best wishes for the New Year,
Bill

[chris]

Bill,

Unfortunately I don't have your personal email. I've forwarded them through FMF private message channel. You should have a received a notification about it. If no, forward your email address to Master Jordi. I'll ask him to send it to me.

PS: if M. Geiger hadn't purchased the rhodo from Tsmueb I would have been a competitor on this one too ;-). Take makes two unlucky folks of us.

Cheers

Christophe

[keith]

Thank you

I have received my copy of the Rhodo book.
Enjoy it very much
It is a welcome addition to my mineral library and I would recommend it to anyone

Thank you Bill

[Charlotte]

Keith,
Always good to hear kind words about the book. Thanks for the message.
Bill