Rocks and Minerals in Thin Section: A Colour Atlas

In this concise, clear and handy-sized volume, aimed at the introductory undergraduate level, these highly respected and successful authors explain to the reader, with the help of 180 superb colour photomicrographs, how to observe, describe and identify thin section samples of rocks and minerals using the polarising microscope. The book highlights important diagnostic features of minerals and deals with all rock types - igneous, sedimentary and metamorphic - with equal emphasis and authority, giving students the knowledge and confidence to begin to identify specimens for themselves. Each photograph has been specially prepared for the book and has been reproduced in a generous size to the highest quality. In addition to its value to students and instructors in geology, geography, civil engineering and materials science, the book stands on its own as a beautiful collection of photomicrographs and a permanent source of reference and fascination for all those interested in the nature and science of the world of rocks and minerals.

Table of Contents:
Optical Minerology The polarising microscope Description of minerals Minerals Introduction Olivine Orthopyroxene Clinopyroxne Two pyroxene intergrowth Amphibole Biotite Muscovite Quartz Feldspars Sanidine Microcline Plagioclase Nepheline Calcite Garnet Igneous Rocks Introduction Periodite Olivine-rich basalt Basalt Alkali dolerite Olivine gabbro Gabbro Andesite Diorite Granodiorite Rhyolite Microgranite Granite Alkali granite Phonolite Nepheline syenite Leucitite Lamprophre Ignimbrite Sedimentary Rocks Introduction Quartz arenite Sub Arkose Sublitharenite Greywacke Micaceous sandstone Calcareous sandstone Glauconitic sandstone Ooid grainstone Ooid packstone Bioclast packstone Bioclase wackestone Intraclast grainstone Peloid grainstone Carbonate mudstone Dolomite Chert Evaporite Ironstone Volcaniclastic rocks Metamorphic Rocks Introduction Mylonite Biotite hornfels Andalusite cordierite hornfels Serpentinite Chloritoid schist Garnet mica schist Diopside fosterite marble Garnet amphibolite Kyanite gneiss Garnet cordierite sillimanite gneiss Two pyroxene granulite Anorthosite Eclogite

Review :
This is an excellent book. I am sure that this book will be welcomed both by beginners to thin-section studies, and by those of us who have become a little rusty Geology Today A book to be recommended Open University Geological Society Journal the production is exquisite... It will make a useful contribution to petrographic teaching Geological Magazine