The purpose of this book is to serve the needs of students in learning the procedures and theory required to use the petrographic microscope. In the second edition the book has been updated and there has been a number of changes.

Microscopy is a servant of all the sciences, and the microscopic examina tion of minerals is an important technique which should be mastered by all students of geology early in their careers. Advanced modern text books on both optics and mineralogy are available, and our intention is not that this new textbook should replace these but that it should serve as an introductory text or a first stepping-stone to the study of optical mineralogy. The present text has been written with full awareness that it will probably be used as a laboratory handbook, serving as a quick reference to the properties of minerals, but nevertheless care has been taken to present a systematic explanation of the use of the microscope as well as theoretical aspects of optical mineralogy. The book is therefore suitable for the novice either studying as an individual or participating in classwork. Both transmitted-light microscopy and reflected-light microscopy are dealt with, the former involving examination of transparent minerals in thin section and the latter involving examination of opaque minerals in polished section. Reflected-light microscopy is increasing in importance in undergraduate courses on ore mineralisation, but the main reason for combining the two aspects of microscopy is that it is no longer acceptable to neglect opaque minerals in the systematic petrographic study of rocks. Dual purpose microscopes incorporating transmitted- and reflected-light modes are readily available, and these are ideal for the study of polished thin sections.

This book is the successor to A practical introduction to optical mineralogy, which was written in the early 1980s, and published by George Allen & Unwin in 1985. Our intention, once again, is to introduce the student of geology to the microscopic examination of minerals, by both transmitted and reflected light. These techniques should be mastered by students early in their careers, and this text has been proposed in the full awareness that it will be used as a laboratory handbook, serving as a quick reference to the properties of minerals. However, care has been taken to present a systematic explanation of the use of the microscope, as well as to include an extended explanation of the theoretical aspects of optical crystallography in transmitted light. The book is therefore intended as a serious text that introduces the study of minerals under the microscope to the intending honours student of geology, as well as providing information for the novice or interested layman.

Key concepts in mineralogy and petrology are explained alongside beautiful full-color illustrations, in this concisely written textbook.

Introduction to Optical Mineralogy provides comprehensive coverage of the optical properties of minerals. It describes in detail more that 125 rock-forming minerals and a selection of common ore minerals. Revised chapters on optical theory discuss the petrographic microscope, the nature andproperties of light, the behavior of light in isotropic and anisotropic materials, and uniaxial and biaxial anisotropic optics. It is ideal for advanced undergraduate and graduate courses in optical mineralogy, this accessible text is also an essential resource for petrology/petrographycourses.

Introduction to Mineralogy and Petrology, second edition, presents the essentials of both disciplines through an approach accessible to industry professionals, academic researchers, and students alike. This new edition emphasizes the relationship between rocks and minerals, right from the structures created during rock formation through the economics of mineral deposits. While petrology is classified on the lines of geological evolution and rock formation, mineralogy speaks to the physical and chemical properties, uses, and global occurrences for each mineral, emphasizing the need for the growth of human development. The primary goal is for the reader to identify minerals in all respects, including host-rocks, and mineral deposits, with additional knowledge of mineral-exploration, resource, extraction, process, and ultimate use. To help provide a comprehensive analysis across ethical and socio-economic dimensions, a separate chapter describes the hazards associated with minerals, rocks, and mineral industries, and the consequences to humanity along with remedies and case studies. New to the second edition: includes coverage of minerals and petrology in extra-terrestrial environments as well as case studies on the hazards of the mining industry. Addresses the full scope of core concepts of mineralogy and petrology, including crystal structure, formation and grouping of minerals and soils, definition, origin, structure and classification of igneous, sedimentary and metamorphic rocks Features more than 250 figures, illustrations and color photographs to vividly explore the fundamental principles of mineralogy and petrology Offers a holistic approach to both subjects, beginning with the formation of geologic structures that is followed by the hosting of mineral deposits and the exploration and extraction of lucrative, usable products that improve the health of global economies Includes new content on minerals and petrology in extraterrestrial environments and case studies on hazards in the mining industry

This student-oriented text is written in a casual, jargon-free style to present a modern introduction to mineralogy. It emphasizes real-world applications and the history and human side of mineralogy. This book approaches the subject by explaining the larger, understandable topics first, and then explaining why the “little things” are important for understanding the larger picture.