Rock Forming Minerals

This extensive revision deals with the minerals talc, pyrophyllite, chlorite, serpentine, stilpnomelane, zussmanite, prehnite and apophyllite. The text has been completely rewritten and very much expanded to take account of the many advances that have been made in all aspects of the Earth sciences, not least mineralogy. Each chapter is headed by a brief tabulation of mineral data and ends with full references. Crystal structures are described and illustrated, followed by discussion of structural information gained from spectroscopic as well as X-ray and electron-optic methods. Chemical sections include many analyses and structural formulae, phase relations, igneous, metamorphic and sedimentary geochemistry, alteration and weathering. Examples are given of a range of mineral parageneses. Correlation between the various aspects of mineralogy are emphasized in order to provide a scientific understanding of minerals as well as their description and identification. So great has been the expansion of research on layered silicates that a separate volume (3A, 2003) was devoted entirely to micas and another (3C), entirely for clay minerals will also be published. Rock-Forming Minerals is an essential reference work for professionals, researchers and postgraduate students in Earth science and related fields in chemistry, physics, engineering, environmental and soil sciences.

This volume deals with sulphates, carbonates, phosphates and halides, incorporating recent advances in investigative techniques. Each mineral chapter has sections on structure, chemistry, optical and physical properties, distinguishing features and paragenesis. Chapters are headed with brief tabulations of mineral data and a sketch of optical orientation. Results are included from ocean floor experimentation and deep sea drilling.

Identificationof rock-forming minerals in thin section is a key skill needed by all earth science students and practising geologists. This translation of the completely revised and updated German second edition (by Leonore Hoke, Institute of Geological and Nuclear Sciences, New Zealand) provides a comprehensive guide to identifying 140 of the most important rock-forming mineral species. The book is divided into three main parts. Part A is a practical guide to the fundamentals of crystal optics, polarization microscopy and the practical use of microscopes. Part B gives a detailed description of the characteristic optical features, special features, and the paragenesis of the most common rock-forming minerals. This well-illustrated part is divided into opaque minerals, isotropic, uniaxial and optical biaxial mineral groups. Part C contains identification tables for the minerals and diagrams showing the international classification of magmatic rocks, as well as a colour plate section showing crystal forms of minerals. The book will provide an invaluable guide to all undergraduate earth scientists, as well as to professional geologists requiring an overview of mineral identification in thin section.

This revised edition has entailed a thorough re-writing of the text, taking account of the impressive advances that have been made in all aspects of earth sciences, particularly mineralogy, over the recent years.

A second edition, in two parts, of Volume 1 of this well-known reference series. This volume deals mainly with the olivine and garnet groups and also the humite group, zircon, sphene, vesuvianite, the Al2SiO5 (including mullite), topaz, staurolite and chloritoid. The disilicates and ring-silicates are covered in Volume 1B. In the years since the first edition was published, the quantity and scope of research on the olivines, garnets and the aluminosilicates has grown enormously and has given rise to a wide variety of literature. This book, which has been completely rewritten and considerably expanded, summarizes the important research results and presents them in an organized fashion. Each mineral chapter is divided into sections on structure, chemistry, optical and physical properties, distinguishing features and paragenesis. Each chapter is headed by a tabulation of mineral data and a sketch showing optical orientation, and concludes with full references to the literature. Diagrams of the crystal structures are presented and are followed by a discussion of the structural features. The chemical sections include a large number of analyses from which structural formulae have been calculated, illustrating the chemical and paragenetical variation exhibited by each mineral; phase equilibria in relevant systems are fully considered. In the sections on optical and physical properties, particular attention is paid to the correlation of these properties with chemical composition. The principal modes of occurrence are described and discussed in the paragenesis sections; here again correlation with chemistry is emphasized. 11 volumes are available in this series.

A stunning visual reference book for little geologists who love to find fascinating rocks all around them. Identify colorful gemstones, sparkly crystals, the toughest rocks, and ancient fossils. Packed with fun facts, information, and extensive photos all about the rocks and minerals that make up the world around us. Interactive learning that engages young scholarly minds. Learn about 64 different types of rocks and minerals, how to tell the difference between them and where to find them. Dig into all the interesting geological materials from deep space to the deepest caves. You’ll even discover glow in the dark minerals and living gems! Find out about the stuff our world is made of, and how rocks and minerals form over time. This captivating book introduces children to hands-on science with fun activities like starting your own impressive rock collection and how to stay safe on your rock finding missions. Written for kids aged 6 to 9 with bite-sized information and explanations. The easy-to-understand language gives them a rock-solid foundation for science subjects. The geology book includes the phonetic pronunciation of the rock and mineral names so your little one will sound like a rock expert in no time. Rockin’ It With Stones And Minerals • Stunning high-quality photographs. • Inspiring activities for little Earth scientists. • Over 64 types of rocks, their properties, and how they are formed.