Synopses & Reviews
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 outlined as well. 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.
Review
"A fine text, as good as Hurlbut and Klein's published by Wiley, and at a lesser cost! The latter is important, especially for overseas universities like ours!"--Lewis D. Ashmal, RAU, South Africa
"Finally, a book that combines the essentials of crystallography, mineralogy, and optics with complete mineral descriptions and excellent artwork."--Drew Coleman, Boston University
"Contains good coverage of other important topics together with essential optical mineralogy."--Doug Smith, University of Texas at Austin
"Concise and informative."--Harold Stowell, University of Alabama
Synopsis
This is a modern introductory mineralogy book that provides detailed descriptions of over 100 minerals. It discusses classical crystallography, chemical bonding, and crystal growth, providing readers with a solid foundation to help them better understand the nature and occurrence of minerals.
Table of Contents
Section 1: Crystallography and Crystal Chemistry 1. Introduction
2. Crystallography
3. Crystal Chemistry
4. Crystal Structure
5. Crystal Growth
Section 2: Mineral Properties, Study, and Identification
6. Physical Properties of Minerals
7. Optical Mineralogy
8. Intro to X-Ray Crystallography
9. Chemical Analysis of Minerals
10. Strategies for Study
Section 3: Mineral Descriptions
11. Silicates
12. Framework Silicates
13. Sheet Silicates
14. Chain Silicates
15. Disilicates and Ring Silicates
16. Orthosilicates
17. Carbonates, Sulfates, Phosphates, Borates, Tungstates, and Molybdates
18. Oxides, Hydroxides, and Halides
19. Sulfides and Related Minerals
20. Native Elements
Appendix A. Effective Ionic Radii of the Elements
Appendix B. Determinative Tables