Overview

This learner-oriented text is written in a casual, jargon-free style to present a modern introduction to mineralogy. It emphasizes real-world applications and an "outside-in approach" as well as the history and human side of mineralogy. Chapter topics include elements and minerals; crystallization and classification of minerals; mineral properties: hand specimen mineralogy; optical mineralogy; igneous rocks and silicate minerals; sedimentary minerals and sedimentary rocks; metamorphic minerals and metamorphic rocks; ore deposits and economic minerals; crystal morphology and symmetry; crystallography; units cells, points, lines, and planes; x-ray diffraction; atomic structure; and descriptions of minerals. For individuals interested in the science of mineralogy, and how minerals impact everyday life.

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From The Critics

This text for an undergraduate mineralogy course de-emphasizes jargon and taxonomy in favor of context and understanding. Topics are covered beginning with the big picture and ending with details and theory. To put mineralogy in context, there is material on petrology, chemistry, and other sciences not normally considered mineralogy, and the history and human side of mineralogy and its key figures is included. Learning features include color and b&w photos, thought questions, and an extensive glossary. This second edition contains more material relating mineralogy to the everyday world, and can be packaged with a CD-ROM containing some 400 mineral photos. The author is affiliated with the University of North Dakota. Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)