A Colour Atlas of Rocks and Minerals in Thin Section

W. S. MacKenzie, formerly Emeritus Professor of Petrology,University of Manchester, UK

A. E. Adams, Senior Lecturer in Geology, University of Manchester, UK

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.

Contents

Introduction

Part 1: Optical Minerology

  1. The polarising microscope
  2. Description of minerals

Part 2: Minerals

  1. Introduction
  2. Olivine
  3. Orthopyroxene
  4. Clinopyroxne
  5. Two pyroxene intergrowth
  6. Amphibole
  7. Biotite
  8. Muscovite
  9. Quartz
  10. Feldspars
  11. Sanidine
  12. Microcline
  13. Plagioclase
  14. Nepheline
  15. Calcite
  16. Garnet

Part 3: Igneous Rocks

  1. Introduction
  2. Periodite
  3. Olivine-rich basalt
  4. Basalt
  5. Alkali dolerite
  6. Olivine gabbro
  7. Gabbro
  8. Andesite
  9. Diorite
  10. Granodiorite
  11. Rhyolite
  12. Microgranite
  13. Granite
  14. Alkali granite
  15. Phonolite
  16. Nepheline syenite
  17. Leucitite
  18. Lamprophre
  19. Ignimbrite

Part 4: Sedimentary Rocks

  1. Introduction
  2. Quartz arenite
  3. Sub Arkose
  4. Sublitharenite
  5. Greywacke
  6. Micaceous sandstone
  7. Calcareous sandstone
  8. Glauconitic sandstone
  9. Ooid grainstone
  10. Ooid packstone
  11. Bioclast packstone
  12. Bioclase wackestone
  13. Intraclast grainstone
  14. Peloid grainstone
  15. Carbonate mudstone
  16. Dolomite
  17. Chert
  18. Evaporite
  19. Ironstone
  20. Volcaniclastic rocks

Part 5: Metamorphic Rocks

  1. Introduction
  2. Mylonite
  3. Biotite hornfels
  4. Andalusite cordierite hornfels
  5. Serpentinite
  6. Chloritoid schist
  7. Garnet mica schist
  8. Diopside fosterite marble
  9. Garnet amphibolite
  10. Kyanite gneiss
  11. Garnet cordierite sillimanite gneiss
  12. Two pyroxene granulite
  13. Anorthosite
  14. Eclogite

Index

A Colour Atlas of Rocks and Minerals in Thin Section - cover

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supplied by John Wiley & Sons Ltd

£19.95

Reviews

"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

Key features

  • Focuses on fundamental skills at the introductory level - adoptable text

  • Covers diagnostic features of minerals, and all rock types - igneous, sedimentary and metamorphic

  • Provides 180 large colour photomicrographs of the highest quality

Bibliographic info

  • Softcover, 192 pages
  • 210 x 148 mm page size
  • 180 colour and b/w illustrations
  • ISBN: 978-1-874545-17-0

Links

If you like this title you may be interested in A Colour Atlas of Carbonate Sediments and Rocks Under the Microscope by the same authors

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