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One good reference book per topic is enough to begin with. Choose books with clear photos, an index and an author who separates tradition from fact.
| Topic | Look for | Why | Find it |
|---|---|---|---|
| Crystals | A photo directory with hardness and care notes | You can identify and look after stones | Amazon |
| Mineralogy | A field guide to rocks and minerals | Solid facts on hardness, composition and fakes | Amazon |
| Tarot | A guide based on the Rider-Waite-Smith deck | Matches most decks and online guides | Amazon |
| Oracle cards | The guidebook that comes with your deck | Written for those exact cards | Included with the deck |
| Incense | A book on the Japanese incense tradition (kodo) or on resins | Background on materials and scent families | Amazon |