Product Description

The skills of microscopic observation and of rock and mineral recognition are fundamental to all introductory courses in the earth sciences and related subjects. By helping to answer the question: "What am I supposed to be looking at?", a colour atlas is an invaluable resource in the teaching and learning process.

In this concise, clear and handy–sized volume, aimed at the introductory undergraduate level, these highly respected and successful authors explain to the reader, with the help of 180 superb colour photomicrographs, how to observe, describe and identify thin section samples of rocks and minerals using the polarizing microscope.

The book highlights important diagnostic features of minerals and deals with all rock types – igneous, sedimentary and metamorphic – with equal empahsis and authority, giving students the knowledge and confidence to begin to identify specimens for theselves. Each photograph has been specially prepared for the book and has been reproduced in a generous size and to the highest quality.

In addition to its value to students and instructors in geology, geography, civil engineering and materials sicence, the book stands on its own as a beautiful collection of photomicrographs and a permanent source of reference and fascination for all those interested in the nature and science of the world of rocks and minerals.

• Focuses on Fundamental Skills at the introductory level– adoptable text.
  
• Covers diagnostic features of minerals and all rock types – igneous, sedimentary and metamorphic.
  
• Provides 180 large colour photomicrographs of the highest quality.
  
• Handy size volume.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #48628 in Books
• Published on: 1994-04-01
• Original language: English
• Binding: Paperback
• 192 pages

Geology Today
This is an excellent book... I am sure that this book will be welcomed both by beginners to thin-section studies, and by those of us who have become a little rusty.

From the Back Cover
In this concise, clear and handy–sized volume, aimed at the introductory undergraduate level, these highly respected and successful authors explain to the reader, with the help of 180 superb color photomicrographs, how to observe, describe and identify thin section samples of rocks and minerals using the polarizing microscope. The book highlights important diagnostic features of minerals and deals with all rock types – igneous, sedimentary and metamorphic – with equal emphasis and authority, giving students the knowledge and confidence to begin to identify specimens for themselves. Each photograph has been specially prepared for the book and has been reproduced in a generous size to the highest quality. In addition to its value to students and instructors in geology, geography, civil engineering and materials science, the book stands on its own as a beautiful collection of photomicrographs and a permanent source of reference and fascination for all those interested in the nature and science of the world of rocks and minerals.

Customer Reviews

Good book for beginners or out-of-practice seasoned pros.
I was in two minds about buying this book after reading the previous reviews. However, I am very happy with the purchase.

The book is great for students new to the study of rocks in thin section. It covers all of the most important rock-forming minerals and then introduces the rocks that they are most commonly found in. There are also sections covering most of the most common and important textures. The accompanying text is simple and easy to understand and does not become bogged down with elaborate language or over-complication.

All in all, a good low-cost option for 1st and 2nd year students who take fright at the price of Mackenzie's Atlases.

Atlas of Rocks and Minerals
An excellent book for my BSc Geology degree. Very helpful if you are unsure about the properties and appearances of certain minerals in thin section. An invaluable tool. Anyone who says it is not useful is obviously not using it correctly!

A visual aid to studying minerals in thin section
I am currently studying geology through the Open University, and was really struggling to get my head around what minerals I was actually trying to identify. It's hard to read a description of a mineral and then try to interpret it visually. This book has come to the rescue and has been invaluable to me. Nice book and pictures are great.