Product Description

Introduction to Mineralogy consolidates much of the material now covered in traditional mineralogy and optical mineralogy courses and focuses on describing minerals within their geologic context. It presents the important traditional content of mineralogy including crystallography, chemical bonding, controls on mineral structure, mineral stability, and crystal growth to provide a foundation that enables students to understand the nature and occurrence of minerals. Physical, optical, and X-ray powder diffraction techniques of mineral study are described in detail, and common chemical analytical methods are also outlined. Detailed descriptions of over 100 common minerals are provided, and the geologic context within which these minerals occur is emphasized. Appendices provide tables and diagrams to help students with mineral identification, using both physical and optical properties. Numerous line drawings, photographs, and photomicrographs help make complex concepts understandable. Introduction to Mineralogy not only provides specific knowledge about minerals but also helps students develop the intellectual tools essential for a solid, scientific education. This comprehensive text is useful for undergraduate students in a wide range of mineralogy courses.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #191289 in Books
• Published on: 1999-11-04
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Hardcover
• 466 pages

Customer Reviews

Crystal clear
A wonderful book. I am a professional chemist with an interest in geology but not working in this field. I learned much more about crystal structures and crystal habits that from my inorganic and structure chemistry studies. Very well written, very clear figures and diagrams. I congratulate the author to a very good job. Too bad the world isn't yet ready for it to become a top ten best seller.

Excellent
A great book for new entrants to the field, I found it really useful and will probably use it for a long time to keep the basics refreshed.