Minerals: Their Constitution and Origin

by Hans-Rudolf Wenk , Andrei Bulakh

• ISBN13: 9780521822381
• ISBN10: 0521822386
• Format: Hardcover
• Copyright: 2004-06-07
• Publisher: Cambridge University Press

Summary

This introduction to mineralogy for undergraduate and graduate students in geology and materials science has been designed for a semester course. Covering all aspects of mineralogy in an integrated way, it links mineral properties with broader geological processes, and conveys their economic importance throughout the text. Handy reference tables and a glossary of terms make this study an indispensable guide for the next generation of mineralogy students.

Table of Contents

Part I. Structural Features of Minerals: 1. Subject and history of mineralogy

2. Elements, bonding, simple structures and ionic radii

3. The lattice concept and description of crystal structures

4. Macroscopic symmetries: crystal morphology

5. Crystal growth and aggregation

6. Isomorphism, polymorphism and crystalline defects

Part II. Physical Investigation of Minerals: 7. Experimental approaches to crystal structures: X-ray diffraction

8. Physical properties

9. Optical properties of crystals

10. Mineral identification with the petrographic microscope

11. Color

12. Additional analytical methods

13. Mechanical properties and deformation

Part III. Variety of Minerals and Mineral-forming Processes: 14. Classification and names of minerals

15. Mineral identification of hand specimens

16. Mineral genesis

17. Stability of minerals and phase diagrams

18. Solid solutions

Part IV. A Systematic Look at Mineral Groups: 19. Some very common minerals: quartz and feldspars. Crystallization of granite and pegmatite

20. Simple compounds and new minerals. Unusual occurrences

21. Halides. Evaporite deposits

22. Carbonates and other minerals with triangular anion groups. Sedimentary origins

23. Phosphates, sulfates and related minerals. Apatite as a biogenic mineral

24. Sulfides. Hydrothermal processes

25. Oxides and hydroxides. Review of ionic crystals

26. Orthosilicates and ring silicates. Metamorphic mineral assemblages

27. Sheet silicates. Weathering of silicate rocks

28. Chain silicates. Discussion of some igneous and metamorphic processes

29. Framework silicates. Zeolites and ion exchange properties of minerals

Part V. Applied Mineralogy: 30. Metalliferous mineral deposits

31. Gemstones

32. Cement minerals

33. Minerals and human health

34. Mineral composition of the solar system

35. Mineral composition of the Earth

Appendices: Determinative tables for hand specimen identification

Determinative tables for optical mineralogy

Glossary

Index.