Written by M. Darby Dyar, Ph.D., Reviewed by Carl A Francis, Curator,       Harvard University Mineralogical Museum.

This multimedia "field guide" helps you to identify over 14,500 mineral names and synonyms for both beginners and serious collectors. Hands-On Mineral Identification Version 1.1 provides detailed identification information on 500 of the most common mineral species, full color animations, background information, and photographs on physical characteristics of minerals. Watch actual video demonstrations of physical property tests and read a detailed explanation of crystal classification systems -- all narrated by the author! The searchable database includes physical properties, rotatable 3-D crystal shapes, full color photographs, worldwide localities, crystal class, and mineral associations for each species. Version 1.1 adds a "Print Mineral Data" feature that prints an 81/2 x 11 sheet containing all properties for a mineral species. Grades 7-12 and college. Most of the mineral photos that appear in the program are of mineral samples from Harvard University Mineralogical Museum. Call 1-800-293-2725 for information on version upgrades.