  Although the emphasis in this pamphlet has been on the recognition of Missouri rocks and minerals, it is not out of order to consider the broad values that they contribute to our civilization. Their use as building materials has been noted, but it should be further recognized that as our timber is being rapidly depleted more and more structures will be built out of earth materials. Missouri possesses a wealth of beautiful limestone that is serviceable and readily quarried. Where limestone is not near, there is usually shale or glacial clay which can be used in the manufacture of brick and tile. Permanency will be the keynote of the rock and ceramic structures. Gravel and sand are abundant in Missouri for concrete and other varied uses. The soil is Missouri’s most valuable earth material. Hundreds to thousands of years of normal weathering are required to develop the rocks and minerals and texture of the inorganic fraction of the soil. We should preserve it and prevent disastrous soil erosion. Aside from these more tangible values, a fascinating and instructive hobby can be made of collecting, arranging, and studying rocks and minerals. One gains a fuller understanding and appreciation of nature from their study. The orderliness, constancy, and interrelation within the rock and mineral “world” is a restful contrast to the one which man often keeps in turmoil. The beauty of a glistening crystal or a polished mineral or stone is as inspiring as a lovely flower, yet it lasts and lasts through centuries, a veritable “rock of ages.” Suggested Collateral Reading MaterialBooks on Rocks and MineralsHow to Know the Minerals and Rocks, by Pearl; publisher, McGraw-Hill Book Co., New York. A Field Guide to Rocks and Minerals, by Pough; publisher, Houghton, Mifflin Co., Boston. Gemstones and Minerals: How and Where To Find Them, by Sinkankas; publisher, Van Nostrand, Princeton, New Jersey. Look for paper back editions of these and other books which may be widely available. FossilsThe Common Fossils of Missouri, by A. G. Unklesbay, Missouri Handbook No. 4. Magazines on Rocks, Minerals, and FossilsRocks and Minerals, Box, 29, Peekskill, N.Y. Gems and Minerals, P.O. Box 687, Mentone, Calif. The Mineralogist, P.O. Box 808, Mentone, Calif. American Mineralogist, technical official publication of the American Mineralogical Society, Ann Arbor, Michigan, editorial office, Dept. of Mineralogy, University of Michigan. Books on Mineralogy and Rocks (Technical)Dana’s Manual of Mineralogy, by Hurlbut; publisher, John Wiley & Sons, New York. Dana’s Textbook of Mineralogy, by Ford; publisher, John Wiley & Sons, New York. Mineralogy, by Berry and Mason; publisher, Freeman & Co., San Francisco. Rocks and Rock Minerals, by Knopf; publisher John Wiley & Sons, New York. Guide to the Study of Rocks, by Spock; publisher, Harper & Co., New York. Books on General GeologyIntroduction to Geology, by Branson, Tarr, and Keller; publisher, McGraw-Hill Book Co., New York City. Introduction to College Geology, by Holmes; publisher, Macmillan, New York. Books on Physical GeologyGeology, by Emmons, Thiel, Stauffer and Allison; publisher McGraw-Hill Book Co., New York. Principles of Geology, by Gilluly, Woodford, and Waters; publisher, Freeman & Co., San Francisco. Physical Geology, by Leet and Judson; publisher, Prentice-Hall & Co., New York. Books on Historical GeologyThe Geological Evolution of North America, by Clark and Stearn; publisher, Ronald Press Co., New York. Time, Life, and Man, by Stirton; publisher, John Wiley & Sons, New York. These books may be borrowed from public libraries, or purchased from the publishers and retail book stores. At Columbia, the University Book Store, and the Missouri Store Co., sell most of them from shelf stock. Missouri Geology PublicationsMissouri has an excellent State Geological Survey which has published numerous volumes on various geologic topics and areas within the State. Inquiry about these bulletins, circulars, maps, and individually handled correspondence, should be addressed to the: State Geologist Missouri Geological Survey Rolla, Mo. |
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