Introduction to Mineralogy

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.

This text is a modern, introductory mineralogy textbook for use in undergraduate classes. Discussion of classical crystallography, chemical bonding, controls on mineral structure, mineral stability, and crystal growth 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 analytica methods are outlined. Detailed descriptions of over 100 common minerals are providede; the geologic context within which these minerals occur is emphasized. Appendices provide tables and diagrams to guide mineral identification, using both physical and optical properties. This book is illustrated with numerous line drawings, photographs, and photomicrographs to help make complex concepts understandable.

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 Elemetns; Appendix A: Effective Ionic Radii of the Elements; Appendix B: Determinative Tables