This 1546 publication remains a landmark in geology due to its unprecedented classifications by physical property and locality, its simple standardized naming system, its meticulous summaries of earlier studies, and its employment of observation and personal experience. Unabridged republication of the edition translated from the first Latin edition of 1546, published by the Mineralogical Society of America, New York, 1955.
Here's a sample of other books in this Dover category
De Re Metallica by Georgius Agricola One of the most important scientific classics, and first to offer detailed technical drawings illustrating mining techniques, field research, and the earliest scientific methods. Translated by Herbert Hoover. 289 woodcuts.
A Short History of Technology: From the Earliest Times to A.D. 1900 by T. K. Derry, Trevor I. Williams Highly readable, profusely illustrated survey relates technology to history of every age: food production, metalworking, mining, steam power, transportation, electricity, much more. 354 black-and-white illustrations. 1961 edition.