Book Description

This book presents an up-to-date overview of cathodoluminescence microscopy and spectroscopy in the field of geosciences. For a decade, no books have been dedicated to this topic. This volume includes new important data on cathodoluminescence spectroscopy, physical parameters and systematic spectral analysis of doped minerals. Each chapter, written by a well-known specialist, covers classic and new fields of application such as carbonate diagenesis, silicates, brittle deformation in sandstones, gemstone recognition, biomineralization, economic geology or geochronology. It will be useful to all scientists, graduate students and professional engineers throughout the geosciences community. ... Read more

Book Description

An authoritative and practical identification guide to minerals, rocks and fossils of the world. This new edition of a classic reference work has been completely revised, updated and redesigned, with new extended introductory sections and appendices. An invaluable handbook for amateur collectors and specialists alike, this book is small and compact enough to carry in the pocket or backpack. - Over 600 specimens in full colour - Every specimen described and illustrated on the same double-page spread - Over 300 line drawings identifying structures and features ... Read more

Reviews (1)

One Book Thats All
If you want only one book for minerals, rocks and fossils this is the one. Covers what you really find in the field instead of only the best or rarest stuff. I give it a 5. ... Read more

Book Description

This short, practical guide to the identification of hand specimen minerals utilizes simple methods of observation and inexpensive tools. It gives a guidline on how to collect minerals as well as a tone and language that evoke the charm of an earlier scientific era. A companion volume to the newly revised Dana's New Mineralogy, this book will reward the student of nature seeking an introduction to minerals and their identification. ... Read more

Book Description

This thoroughly revised and expanded new edition incorporates the most recent research findings on the subject, such as the discovery of dramatic undersea hydrothermal vents. It describes the key process in the generation of ore deposits and emphasizes solid theoretical understanding. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

excelent
this is very essential for economic geologists ... Read more

Book Description

For more than ten years, ... Read more

Book Description

This handbook summarizes the main advancesin our understanding of marine minerals and concentrates on the deposits of proven economic potential.In cases where our knowledge may be too limited to allow defining of their economic potential, those minerals are covered regionally or by deposit type. Handbook of Marine Mineral Deposits is divided into three sections; Marine placers, manganese nodules and crusts, and deep-sea hydrothermal mineralization. All of these mineral deposits have great potential importance to economic geologists and marine mines.Edited by an acknowledged expert in the field, this handbook includes work by internationally renowned contributors.The new United Nations Law of the Sea, ratified by over 100 countries within the past two years, provides a framework and guidelines for deep-sea mineral exploration that increases international interest in this book.The Handbook serves as a platform from which to launch the more detailed evaluation studies that will need to take place in the 21st century before recovery can continue or commence. Handbook of Marine Mineral Deposits is useful to mineralogists, economic geologists, marine geologists, marine miners, and conservationists.Features ... Read more

Book Description

Stable Isotope Geochemistry is an introduction to the use of stable isotopes in the geosciences. It is subdivided into three parts:

- theoretical and experimental principles;

- fractionation mechanisms of light and heavy elements;

- the natural variations of geologically important reservoirs.

The 5th edition has been revised and extended and now includes a new chapter on palaeoclimatology. Special emphasis has been given to the growing field of 'heavy' elements. Many new references have been added, which will enable quick access to recent literature. For students and scientists alike the book will be a primary source of information with regard to how and where stable isotopes can be used to solve geological problems. ... Read more

Book Description

Minerals of the World is an attractive and up-to-date guide to more than 500 minerals from around the world. The succinct text--covering crystallography, properties, names and varieties, structure, diagnostic features, and occurrence--and the discussion of less common minerals not found in other guides make this an invaluable resource.With over 600 exquisite color photographs and crystallographic diagrams, this book is unequalled. It is set to become the field guide of choice for mineral collectors and students of mineralogy.

*The most up-to-date popular guide to minerals available
* Text covers crystallography, physical properties, chemical properties, names and varieties, diagnostic features, and occurrence
* More than 500 minerals treated with examples from around the world
* More than 600 superb color photographs and crystallographic diagrams
* Tabular overview of common minerals and their properties

Book Description

The paragon of physical perfection and a sparkling example of Earth's forces at work, the diamond has fascinated all realms of society, from starlets to scientists.The Nature of Diamonds is a comprehensive look at nature's most coveted gem. A handsome, large-format book, The Nature of Diamonds is an authoritative and richly-illustrated tribute to the diamond. Leading geologists, gemologists, physicists, and cultural observers cover every facet of the stone, from its formation in the depths of the Earth, its ascent to the surface, and its economic, regal, social, and technological roles.Cutting-edge research takes the reader to the frontiers of diamond exploration and exploitation, from the Arctic wastes to the laboratories where diamonds are created for massive road shredders that rip up and then re-create superhighways.Here also is an overview of cutting, from the rough stones in Roman rings to the highly-faceted stones we see today, and a glimpse into the business of diamonds.Finally, The Nature of Diamonds chronicles scientific and cultural history and explores the diamond as both a sacred and a social symbol, including a picture history of betrothal rings. Wide-ranging illustrations explain the geology of diamonds, chart the history of mining from its origins in India and Brazil through the diamond rush in South Africa and today's high-tech enterprises, and capture the brilliance and beauty of this extraordinary gem. _ ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Nature of Diamonds.
This is a good book which provides us enormous amount of information about the history and the composition of diamonds. However, there are two little illustrations. Anyway, the pictures are exceptional. ... Read more

Book Description

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. ... Read more

Reviews (3)

An extraordinary overview
While perfectly interesting for the serious gemstone fancier, this book is equally approachable and usable for those just getting started. The sumptuous cover photograph is slightly misleading, in that it seems to promise jewelry within the book's pages. Although jewelry is covered--as are crowns, religious reliquaries, carved gemstone figurines and more--the main thrust of this book is the nuts and bolts basics of gemstones. You can find out which gemstones appear most frequently in which geographic locations; discern the subtle differences among the particolored members of the corundum family; find out what refractive indices mean; pore over all the different gemstone cuts (including unusual cuts like the shield and olive shapes) and much, much more. This book is really a tool and a sourcebook for those interested in the miracle of gemstones.

Highly recommended for students of gems & jewelry making.
Any with an interest in gemstones will find this involving: a coffee table book which goes into depth and detail on individual gems and their geologic origins. From jewelry making and myths to science, collecting and lore, Gemstones provides a lavish display suitable for gift-giving and library acquisition alike.

A stunningly beautiful book
This is a stunningly beautiful book full of color pictures and explanations of gemstones. It will appeal to all ages and readers who are interested in this side of "applied geology." One can simultaneously appreciate the art and science of gemstones while browsing or reading in depth. Originally published in Europe as a production of EMB-Service in Lucerne, Switzerland, this American English language edition is from the Geoscience Press, Inc. of Tuscon, Arizona and is printed in Italy. Reading this book is like having a museum right in your hands! ... Read more

Book Description

This outstanding classic is the standard on industrial minerals and rocks. Organized in two parts, this hardbound book contains an introduction describing the broad field of industrial minerals, and chapters on commodities and uses, arranged in alphabetical order for quick consultation.

The comprehensive reference consists of 94 chapters produced by more than 130 authors, all experts in their respective fields. The work is fully indexed.

Don't miss this opportunity to order your copy. ... Read more

Book Description

The "Indiana Jones of Astronomy" takes readers on a fascinating hunt for scientific treasures

On the morning of June 30, 1908, a comet nucleus or stony asteroid weighing 100,000 metric tons exploded four miles above the remote Siberian region of Tunguska with a force hundreds of times greater than the blast that destroyed Hiroshima. Eighty-four years later, American astronomer Roy Gallant was invited by the Russian Academy of Sciences to participate in its annual Tunguska Expedition.

Gallant was the first American to take part in the Russian investigation of the largest meteorite impact in recorded history. So inspired was he by his experiences at Tunguska that he went on to devote the next eight years of his life to investigating and writing about meteorite impact sites around the globe.

In Meteorite Hunter, Roy Gallant takes readers on a fascinating journey to the major meteorite sites of the wild and desolate Russian interior.

Reviews (1)

Traveling in Russia and Fascinating Facts about Meteorites
I am surprised to see that no one has reviewed this book until now; it's been out for about two years and the title is certainly intriguing. Anyway, this book contains a nearly homogeneous mixture of essentially two seemingly unrelated subjects: (i) traveling within Russia and (ii) information on meteorites. The first is presented as a travelogue; it includes all sorts of little details on travel problems encountered in Russia (political and otherwise), food eaten, people encountered, etc. Interspersed with this, in each chapter, is fascinating information on meteorites, i.e., their origins, types, composition, behavior upon entering the earth's atmosphere and upon impacting the ground, etc. Each chapter addresses a specific meteorite site that was visited by the author, with the exception of the last chapter which is about comets and asteroids that are out in space and that may or may not pose a threat to life (or some of it) on earth. The book is well written and should be of interest to those planning to travel within Russia, as well as those interested in meteorites; and, of course, those interested in both. I gave the book four stars instead of five because, to me, the two subject areas, which may be worth five stars each, detract from each other. For me, the parts about meteorites per se, were great (five stars); but I found the travel information rather cumbersome - hence an overall four stars. ... Read more

Book Description

Sparkling yet practical, this Tiny Folio is a superb introduction to the museum's collection as well as a concise guide to minerals and gems.

One of the world's fabulous collections of minerals and gems resides at the American Museum of Natural History in New York City, and this jewel of a book includes more than 300 of the Museum's spectacular specimens. This book is also a guide to minerals and gems, explaining what they are and the qualities that make them outstanding or unique.

Other Details:Now in Hardcover!270 black-and-white illustrations. ... Read more

Book Description

This book is a systematic guide to the recognition and interpretation of deformation microstructures and mechanisms in minerals and rocks at the scale of a thin section. Diagnostic features of microstructures and mechanisms are emphasized, and the subject is extensively illustrated with high-quality color and black and white photomicrographs, and many clear diagrams. After introducing three main classes of deformation microstructures and mechanisms, low- to high-grade deformation is presented in a logical sequence in Chapters 2 to 5. Magmatic/submagmatic deformation, shear sense indicators, and shock microstructures and metamorphism are described in Chapters 6 to 8, which are innovative chapters in a structural geology textbook. The final chapter shows how deformation microstructures and mechanisms can be used quantitatively to understand the behavior of the earth. Recent experimental research on failure criteria, frictional sliding laws, and flow laws is summarized in tables, and palaeopiezometry is discussed.

Audience: This book is essential to all practising structural and tectonic geologists who use thin sections, and is an invaluable research tool for advanced undergraduates, postgraduates, lecturers and researchers in structural geology and tectonics. ... Read more

Book Description

This definitive work is the first of its kind, an introduction to the quality and beauty of gemstones that assists in judging their value and price.Though there are many publications that deal with the mineralogical properties of gemstones, books that discuss the essence of their beauty, how to verify their quality, and how to judge their value are almost non-existent.

Using full-page, high-quality color photographs and a powerful system of quality and value assessment, the first chapter examines 24 gemstone varieties, explaining the subtle nuances that contribute to their unique beauty, the wide range of quality levels they occur in, common treatments, and how these factors interact to affect their value in the marketplace.

Chapter 2 discusses gemstones in the context of their relationship with people, from mining, cutting, and manufacturing, to buying and selling, wearing, and secondary markets.

While simple enough for a layperson to understand, with a glossary of gemological and trade terms, the concepts introduced in this book are powerful enough to be useful to members of the gemstone and jewelry industry, whether they be cutters, wholesalers, appraisers, or retailers. ... Read more

Reviews (3)

Finally, no more smoke and mirrors!
The gem stone trade likes to keep the average guy from understanding the basics of judging quality and value. Suwa for the first time that I have seen in a gemstone book, gives the reader a peak under the covers on what determines gemstone quality and value. This book, as well as the others in the series from Suwa let the average person in on the very basic, understandable issues that determine quality in various stones. Suwa is willing to share with his readers how seasoned gemologists and the market in general value different gem stones, and the impact of things such as origin, carat weight, clarity, etc. I have not seen a single other publication, particularly as it relates to color gemstones, that is willing to put so clear a measure on value drivers for gem stones. Suwa broke the silence of the indusrty and put a stake in the ground.

This type of clarity does great benefit to the trade in gemstones by instilling confidence in the buyer that they can make informed purchase decisions. With out this guide, buyers must rely entirely on the sales pitch of the retailer in front of them at any particualr time.

I gave this book as a gift to my retailer that I generally buy from , and they are now using it regulary with their clients and say it has helped them enormously. The buyer can still spend what they want, they just spend their money smarter with the help of this book. No smoke and mirrors.

Can't wait until Volume 2 is avaliable!!

Gemstone Beauty
First, the photography is worldclass. The pictures of the jewelry alone is worth owning this beautiful book. Next, the
content is clearly organized, diplomatic and at the same time
simply informative on each gemstone. The passion and the desire
of the author shines through in his committment to supplying
a standard for the understanding and appreciation of wonderful,
gem quality gemstones. I will also acquire Volume 2 & 3 to
have a complete review of more than fifty gemstones to include an appreciation for the world's finest jewelry. Thank you Mr.Suwa.

Gemstones: Quality and Value big price; bigger disapointment
The author begins with an excellent idea; divide each gemstone into three categories and illustrate those categories on a quality grid with full color photos. The author relies almost completely on the comparative images to illustrate his point. Unfortunately the photographs simply don't do the job. Except for one excellent photo at the beginning of each chapter Mr. Suwa's images are not just poor they are pathetic.
His first section on Aquamarine pp.14-17 serves to illustrate the point. The author begins with a rambling introductory essay of just four paragraphs. On the following page is an excellent full page photo of a lovely aquamarine. Following this p.17 attempts to lay out a quality grid of seventeen aquamarines. Unfortunately the stones all look the same, totally grayed out images of what, appear to be low grade commercial quality aquamarine. In fact, the images are so poorly printed that it is impossible to tell one quality from another. Mr. Suwa further illustrates the text with a "gem of value" photographed actual size usually somewhere between 5-10mm. Unfortunately the reader can barely see it never mind judge the stone and the photographs are uniformly poor.
The remainder of the book stumbles along in this same vein. A short essay, one good photograph followed by a carefully layed out grid of poorly photographed gemstones from which it is impossible to draw any conclusions about quality.
The text provides very little guidence for the would be collector. When he does say something about principals of connoisseurship the author fails to apply these principals consistently from gem to gem. He often drops a technical term but rarely defines it.
Perhaps the translation is somewhat to blame but at the price the author has little excuse for the quality of the photography. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Easy to Use
I use this book as one of several rock and mineral field guides in a lab exercise in which college students enrolled in a physical geography class have to identify 15 different minerals. The lab groups that use this guide are always the first to complete the lab successfully. Unlike the Peterson's Guide and some others, this guidebook doesn't require you to carry a chemistry lab in your back pocket to successfully identify common minerals. Instead it is organized around the most basic and easily done field test techniques: streak color and hardness. Would be nice if it had a rock section in it as well.

Minerals: Identifying, classifying and collecting them
This field guide to mineral deposits is one of the best I have used. It is easy to use and it provides clear and easy identification of minerals. With over 500 color photos, the book is arranged by color streak and includes the degree of hardness, density, streak description, color, chemical formula, cleavage, crystal form, tenacity and crystal formation. Other features include a list of similar minerals and where the mineral occurs, i.e. in pegmatites. The author also gives advice on where to find minerals and the kind of equipment needed to retrieve them. Also useful is the information on how to organize a collection. The paperback format lends itself to tossing the book into a backpack for easy reference when mineral "hunting" in the field. This is a "must have" for any adventurer's personal library. ... Read more

Book Description

Mind over Magma chronicles the scientific effort to unravel the mysteries of rocks that solidified on or beneath Earth's surface from the intensely hot, molten material called magma. The first-ever comprehensive history of the study of such igneous rocks, it traces the development of igneous petrology from ancient descriptions of volcanic eruptions to recent work incorporating insights from physical chemistry, isotope studies, and fluid dynamics.

Intellectual developments in the field--from the application of scientific methods to the study of rocks to the discovery of critical data and the development of the field's major theories--are considered within their broader geographical, social, and technological contexts. Mind over Magma examines the spread of igneous petrology from western Europe to North America, South Africa, Japan, Australia, and much of the rest of the world. It considers the professionalization and Anglicization of the field, detailing changes in publication outlets, the role of women, and the influence of government funding. The book also highlights the significant role that technological developments--including the polarizing microscope, high-temperature quenching furnaces, and instrumental analysis--have played in the discovery of new data and development of revolutionary insights into the nature of igneous rocks.

Both an engagingly told story and a major reference, Mind over Magma is the only available history of this important field. As such, it will be appreciated by petrologists, geochemists, and other geologists as well as by those interested in the history of science.

... Read more