Quartz is prized by both mineral collectors and lapidary artists. Over 130 vivid photographs of these beautiful minerals are presented to show each mineral in its geological context. Superb examples are found in diverse geological settings from pegmatites to Alpine clefts and hydrothermal veins. The silica minerals are chemically simple, yet structurally complicated. Several high temperature and high pressure polymorphs are known. In addition to the polymorphs of silica, this book treats related minerals, including: lechatelierite, opal, and two natural clathrates, chibaite and melanophlogite. After a brief introduction, the general treatment explains the chemistry and taxonomy of the group. A section on their formation and geochemistry describes the kinds of environments where these minerals are formed. Then, entries for each mineral provide locality information and full-color photos so that collectors can see what good specimens look like and which minerals one might expect to find in association with them. An extensive bibliography is also provided.
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Detailed treatment of an important mineral groupExplains scientific aspects in a way that can be understood by the laymanColor photos show the minerals in their geological context

Produktdetaljer

ISBN
9780764341618
Publisert
2012-09-25
Utgiver
Vendor
Schiffer Publishing Ltd
Vekt
544 gr
Høyde
279 mm
Bredde
216 mm
Aldersnivå
G, 01
Språk
Product language
Engelsk
Format
Product format
Heftet
Antall sider
96

Forfatter

Biographical note

The author holds a Ph.D. in Metallurgical Engineering, and has conducted scientific research in fields ranging from nuclear fuel to microwave processing and biomineralization. He has been granted over 40 U.S. Patents, and has written 10 books on mineralogy for collectors.