Introduction to Mineralogy

By William D. Nesse

Book Overview

The second edition of Introduction to Mineralogy follows the highly successful first edition, which became an overnight market leader. 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 is available with Daniel Schulze's An Atlas of Minerals in Thin Section for a nominal additional fee.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0199827389
• ISBN13: 9780199827381
• Release Date: August 2011
• Publisher: Oxford University Press, USA
• Length: 496 Pages
• Weight: 3.72 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.2" x 11.0" x 8.8"

Customer Reviews

Half way decent Min book

I will be short and to the point. I just took mineralogy this fall, and this book was pretty good. It's not a sit down and read type of textbook, however. It comes in handy during optical mineralogy with microscopes, and for learning terms. The information for each mineral is well documented with optical, chemical, physical, symmetry, and locations where they're found. One thing I would have liked was color pictures and even thin section images, but there are other books for that. Overall, it's very helpful for anyone he needs a good guide or is just starting in mineralogy.

Mineralogy Book

This is a very informative book. It is quite helpful in the field of gemology, as well as the intended field of geology.