Introducing Mineralogy
A clear guide to the world of minerals and their significance
Format:Paperback
Publisher:Liverpool University Press
Published:27th Nov '14
Should be back in stock very soon
This book provides a clear introduction to mineralogy, covering essential topics from mineral chemistry to environmental issues related to mineral use. Introducing Mineralogy is a valuable resource for students and collectors.
In Introducing Mineralogy, John Mason presents a comprehensive overview of mineralogy, making the subject accessible to both students and amateur collectors. The book begins with the fundamental chemistry of minerals, laying the groundwork for understanding how the mineral kingdom is classified. Readers will learn about the typical occurrences of minerals, such as those found in common rocks like granite, as well as atypical occurrences, including rare metal concentrations in ore deposits. This foundational knowledge is essential for anyone looking to delve deeper into the fascinating world of minerals.
The allure of minerals has captivated humanity since ancient times, with their vibrant colors and stunning crystalline structures. Introducing Mineralogy explores the various ways minerals attract interest from diverse groups, including mining executives, collectors, and scientists. Mason emphasizes the importance of careful observation and interpretation, discussing the techniques used to study minerals under microscopes. The book also addresses the practical aspects of mineral collecting and the ethical considerations involved.
In the latter chapters, the book delves into the industrial and scientific applications of minerals, alongside the environmental challenges associated with their extraction and use. Lavishly illustrated in color, Introducing Mineralogy serves as an invaluable resource for students embarking on Earth Sciences courses and for those who wish to enhance their understanding of the colorful rocks they encounter in nature.
'The writing style is very clever, presenting concise technical information pitched at a level where even somebody with very little knowledge of science can become absorbed and learn at ease…
In summary, this book does exactly what the title says: Introducing Mineralogy. It is an excellent introductory book on mineralogy, well written and covers all of the basics very well…'
Mineralogical Magazine
'Unlike others book about minerals, this does not provide pages of descriptions of individual minerals, for that is an area that's already well covered. Neither does it present a deep coverage of mineralogy in the style of some of the dusty old textbooks that I remember from my undergraduate days (thank goodness).
What we have here is a refreshing approach to the subject from an author who knows minerals well from a collectors perspective, but who is a geology graduate - arguably the perfect person to write such a book to introduce the subject… The book is beautifully illustrated by specimens that haven't been chosen to make the book look pretty, but for good scientific reasons. I repeat that in many ways this a unique approach to the subject of mineralogy, but it is one that works and will provide anyone looking for a way in to the subject with some sound and interesting material.'
Down to Earth magazine'Introducing Mineralogy is aimed at the amateur collector and anyone interested in minerals. It would also be appropriate for an introductory mineralogy class for nonscience majors. The author, John Mason, has done an outstanding job of presenting complex notions in simple terms, providing many examples to which the reader can relate. The book is divided into seven chapters, and throughout, terms defined in the exhaustive glossary are highlighted. The book is also well illustrated, with over 100 color photographs mostly illustrating examples from the UK.'Elements
ISBN: 9781780460284
Dimensions: 220mm x 220mm x 8mm
Weight: 386g
128 pages