Minerals in Thin Section

This is the second edition of a concise, straightforward, and balanced presentation of the theory and techniques of optical mineralogy. Designed for students to have on hand in the laboratory, this manual includes data and photos for all major igneous, metamorphic and sedimentary minerals. Minerals in Thin Section is the perfect supplement for mineralogy, optical mineralogy, and petrography courses.

Includes:

• Part I: Theoretical Considerations—discussing the interaction of minerals and light, the properties of minerals in thin section, and the most practical aspects of optical mineralogy.
• Part II: Identifying Minerals in Thin Section—describing in detail the most common and significant or special minerals (see mineral index), including: name, formula, occurrence, distinguishing features, similar minerals, properties and interference figures, color, form, cleavage, relief, interference colors, extinction and orientation, and twinning. Box 2 (inside back cover) provides a straightforward process users can follow in order to determine a mineral's properties. Contains 34 pages of color photographs, including at least one for each of the 60 minerals described in detail, to illustrate the minerals in thin sections and to help students with mineral identification.
• Appendices—containing additional information on: Common Opaque Minerals; Isotropic Minerals Ordered by Refractive Index; Uniaxial Minerals Sorted by Optic Sign and Ordered by Refractive Index; Biaxial Minerals Sorted by Optic Sign and Ordered by Refractive Index; Minerals Ordered by Interference Colors and Sorted by Optic System and Optic Sign; and an Alphabetical List of Minerals and Mineral Properties.

This clear and concise book assists learners as they look at thin sections. It focuses on the practical, need-to-know information absolutely necessary for work in the laboratory. KEY TOPICS Chapter topics cover: what is light?, polarization of light and the polarizing microscope, the velocity of light in crystals and the refractive index, interaction of light and crystals, other mineral characteristics in thin sections, and a detailed mineral description.

For individuals interested in mineralogy and/or petrology.

Dr. Dexter Perkins received his Ph.D. from the University of Michigan in 1979. He has published over 80 papers and three books. He has had research appointments at the University of Chicago and the Universite Blaise Pascal and has been a regular faculty member in the Department of Geology and Geological Engineering at the University of North Dakota for more than 20 years. His current research is focused on mineral equilibria and science education reform.

Kevin R. Henke received his Ph.D. in geology from the University of North Dakota in 1997. He has had research and postdoctoral appointments at Oak Ridge National Laboratory, in the Chemistry Department at North Dakota State University, and in the Chemistry Department at the University of Kentucky. He has also taught in the Department of Geological Sciences at the University of Kentucky. Currently, he is researching the chemistry and environmental impacts of mercury and other heavy metals as an employee of the Center for Applied Energy Research at the University of Kentucky, Lexington.