Author: Sanjay J. Dhoble
Publisher: Nova Science Publishers
ISBN: 9781536189902
Category : Science
Languages : en
Pages : 340
Book Description
Geology deals with the Earth's dynamics, rocks, minerals, past life, and landforms. To understand geological processes and their applications in society, a multidisciplinary approach is needed. This book discusses how minerals and their inherent properties can be used for the benefit of society.Minerals are the building blocks of rocks and soils, and more than 3,000 varieties of minerals have been identified. Mineral science, traditionally known as mineralogy, is the study of naturally occurring solid substances in the universe. These substances were formed by complex earth system processes and provide a key to understanding the composition and origins of the earth. These minerals are classified based on their physical and chemical characteristics, occurrence, and economic value. Globally, India is considered a potential resource for various mineral deposits. According to the Ministry of Mines, the Indian subcontinent produces as many as 95 minerals. These minerals are used in numerous industries like engineering, infrastructure, electronics, armory, and food, etc. The physical properties of a mineral are characterized by the combination of crystal structure and chemical composition. To date, the chemical and physical properties of some of the new minerals are not known. Similarly, it is essential to develop artificial minerals to replace naturally occurring minerals. A lot of work has gone into developing low-cost materials in large quantities, with the same chemical properties as the natural materials, so that they can be used in a cost-effective way for the benefit of society and industry. Nowadays, minerals are also increasingly used in biomedical sciences and for assessing and managing water quality, especially in the Indian context. The feldspar group of minerals are the most abundant minerals in the Earth's crust and constitute up to 51 % of the continental crust. The weathering of minerals, especially feldspar, plays important role in soil formation. Soil provides indispensable resources for food production and shelter. The inherent fertility of soil depends on the presence of nutrient elements, hosting or holding minerals in rocks and sediments and their bioavailability by controlled weathering processes. Agricultural productivity is correlated with geologically recent additions of fresh rock debris by processes of volcanism, glaciations, denudation and deposition and chemical weathering of feldspars. Hence, the Feldspar group of minerals are important for increasing soil fertility and productivity. Mineral-based phosphors encourage the visual recurrence transformation to develop full-shading white emanating light-transmitting diodes (LEDs). Presently, most of the focus is on the advancement of novel mineral-based LED phosphors for strong state lighting. We have proposed a few new agent groups of mineral-based LED phosphors and strong state lighting innovations for vitality and eco-accommodating lighting frameworks. Long lasting mineral-based phosphors help in future extensions. Some of the economically important minerals of India, their properties, occurrences and government mineral policies are also discussed.
Minerals and Their Properties
Author: Sanjay J. Dhoble
Publisher: Nova Science Publishers
ISBN: 9781536189902
Category : Science
Languages : en
Pages : 340
Book Description
Geology deals with the Earth's dynamics, rocks, minerals, past life, and landforms. To understand geological processes and their applications in society, a multidisciplinary approach is needed. This book discusses how minerals and their inherent properties can be used for the benefit of society.Minerals are the building blocks of rocks and soils, and more than 3,000 varieties of minerals have been identified. Mineral science, traditionally known as mineralogy, is the study of naturally occurring solid substances in the universe. These substances were formed by complex earth system processes and provide a key to understanding the composition and origins of the earth. These minerals are classified based on their physical and chemical characteristics, occurrence, and economic value. Globally, India is considered a potential resource for various mineral deposits. According to the Ministry of Mines, the Indian subcontinent produces as many as 95 minerals. These minerals are used in numerous industries like engineering, infrastructure, electronics, armory, and food, etc. The physical properties of a mineral are characterized by the combination of crystal structure and chemical composition. To date, the chemical and physical properties of some of the new minerals are not known. Similarly, it is essential to develop artificial minerals to replace naturally occurring minerals. A lot of work has gone into developing low-cost materials in large quantities, with the same chemical properties as the natural materials, so that they can be used in a cost-effective way for the benefit of society and industry. Nowadays, minerals are also increasingly used in biomedical sciences and for assessing and managing water quality, especially in the Indian context. The feldspar group of minerals are the most abundant minerals in the Earth's crust and constitute up to 51 % of the continental crust. The weathering of minerals, especially feldspar, plays important role in soil formation. Soil provides indispensable resources for food production and shelter. The inherent fertility of soil depends on the presence of nutrient elements, hosting or holding minerals in rocks and sediments and their bioavailability by controlled weathering processes. Agricultural productivity is correlated with geologically recent additions of fresh rock debris by processes of volcanism, glaciations, denudation and deposition and chemical weathering of feldspars. Hence, the Feldspar group of minerals are important for increasing soil fertility and productivity. Mineral-based phosphors encourage the visual recurrence transformation to develop full-shading white emanating light-transmitting diodes (LEDs). Presently, most of the focus is on the advancement of novel mineral-based LED phosphors for strong state lighting. We have proposed a few new agent groups of mineral-based LED phosphors and strong state lighting innovations for vitality and eco-accommodating lighting frameworks. Long lasting mineral-based phosphors help in future extensions. Some of the economically important minerals of India, their properties, occurrences and government mineral policies are also discussed.
Publisher: Nova Science Publishers
ISBN: 9781536189902
Category : Science
Languages : en
Pages : 340
Book Description
Geology deals with the Earth's dynamics, rocks, minerals, past life, and landforms. To understand geological processes and their applications in society, a multidisciplinary approach is needed. This book discusses how minerals and their inherent properties can be used for the benefit of society.Minerals are the building blocks of rocks and soils, and more than 3,000 varieties of minerals have been identified. Mineral science, traditionally known as mineralogy, is the study of naturally occurring solid substances in the universe. These substances were formed by complex earth system processes and provide a key to understanding the composition and origins of the earth. These minerals are classified based on their physical and chemical characteristics, occurrence, and economic value. Globally, India is considered a potential resource for various mineral deposits. According to the Ministry of Mines, the Indian subcontinent produces as many as 95 minerals. These minerals are used in numerous industries like engineering, infrastructure, electronics, armory, and food, etc. The physical properties of a mineral are characterized by the combination of crystal structure and chemical composition. To date, the chemical and physical properties of some of the new minerals are not known. Similarly, it is essential to develop artificial minerals to replace naturally occurring minerals. A lot of work has gone into developing low-cost materials in large quantities, with the same chemical properties as the natural materials, so that they can be used in a cost-effective way for the benefit of society and industry. Nowadays, minerals are also increasingly used in biomedical sciences and for assessing and managing water quality, especially in the Indian context. The feldspar group of minerals are the most abundant minerals in the Earth's crust and constitute up to 51 % of the continental crust. The weathering of minerals, especially feldspar, plays important role in soil formation. Soil provides indispensable resources for food production and shelter. The inherent fertility of soil depends on the presence of nutrient elements, hosting or holding minerals in rocks and sediments and their bioavailability by controlled weathering processes. Agricultural productivity is correlated with geologically recent additions of fresh rock debris by processes of volcanism, glaciations, denudation and deposition and chemical weathering of feldspars. Hence, the Feldspar group of minerals are important for increasing soil fertility and productivity. Mineral-based phosphors encourage the visual recurrence transformation to develop full-shading white emanating light-transmitting diodes (LEDs). Presently, most of the focus is on the advancement of novel mineral-based LED phosphors for strong state lighting. We have proposed a few new agent groups of mineral-based LED phosphors and strong state lighting innovations for vitality and eco-accommodating lighting frameworks. Long lasting mineral-based phosphors help in future extensions. Some of the economically important minerals of India, their properties, occurrences and government mineral policies are also discussed.
Physical Geology
Author: Steven Earle
Publisher:
ISBN: 9781537068824
Category :
Languages : en
Pages : 628
Book Description
This is a discount Black and white version. Some images may be unclear, please see BCCampus website for the digital version.This book was born out of a 2014 meeting of earth science educators representing most of the universities and colleges in British Columbia, and nurtured by a widely shared frustration that many students are not thriving in courses because textbooks have become too expensive for them to buy. But the real inspiration comes from a fascination for the spectacular geology of western Canada and the many decades that the author spent exploring this region along with colleagues, students, family, and friends. My goal has been to provide an accessible and comprehensive guide to the important topics of geology, richly illustrated with examples from western Canada. Although this text is intended to complement a typical first-year course in physical geology, its contents could be applied to numerous other related courses.
Publisher:
ISBN: 9781537068824
Category :
Languages : en
Pages : 628
Book Description
This is a discount Black and white version. Some images may be unclear, please see BCCampus website for the digital version.This book was born out of a 2014 meeting of earth science educators representing most of the universities and colleges in British Columbia, and nurtured by a widely shared frustration that many students are not thriving in courses because textbooks have become too expensive for them to buy. But the real inspiration comes from a fascination for the spectacular geology of western Canada and the many decades that the author spent exploring this region along with colleagues, students, family, and friends. My goal has been to provide an accessible and comprehensive guide to the important topics of geology, richly illustrated with examples from western Canada. Although this text is intended to complement a typical first-year course in physical geology, its contents could be applied to numerous other related courses.
Practical Handbook of Physical Properties of Rocks and Minerals (1988)
Author: Robert S. Carmichael
Publisher: CRC Press
ISBN: 1351359185
Category : Science
Languages : en
Pages : 952
Book Description
CRC Practical Handbooks are a series of single-volume bench manuals that feature a synthesis of the most frequently used, basic reference information. These highly abridged versions of existing CRC multi-volume Handbooks contain largely tabular and graphic data. They provide extensive coverage in a scientific discipline and enable quick, convenient access to the most practical reference information...on the spot! Leading professionals in their respective fields collaborated to provide individuals and institutions with an economical and easy-to-use source of classic reference information. The CRC Practical Handbook of PHYSICAL PROPERTIES of ROCKS and MINERALS, prepared by leaders in their specialties, has been constructed to serve as a convenient, compact, yet comprehensive source of basic information. The technical data have been compiled and selectively edited to provide an organized and definitive presentation of the physical properties of rocks and their constituent minerals. The format is primarily tabular and graphical, for easy reference and comparisons. There is also instructive textual material to present, explain, and clarify the data. This edited and abridged version of the CRC Handbook of Physical Properties of Rocks, published in three volumes in 1982 - 1984, will serve as an easy-to-use source of current and useful reference information.
Publisher: CRC Press
ISBN: 1351359185
Category : Science
Languages : en
Pages : 952
Book Description
CRC Practical Handbooks are a series of single-volume bench manuals that feature a synthesis of the most frequently used, basic reference information. These highly abridged versions of existing CRC multi-volume Handbooks contain largely tabular and graphic data. They provide extensive coverage in a scientific discipline and enable quick, convenient access to the most practical reference information...on the spot! Leading professionals in their respective fields collaborated to provide individuals and institutions with an economical and easy-to-use source of classic reference information. The CRC Practical Handbook of PHYSICAL PROPERTIES of ROCKS and MINERALS, prepared by leaders in their specialties, has been constructed to serve as a convenient, compact, yet comprehensive source of basic information. The technical data have been compiled and selectively edited to provide an organized and definitive presentation of the physical properties of rocks and their constituent minerals. The format is primarily tabular and graphical, for easy reference and comparisons. There is also instructive textual material to present, explain, and clarify the data. This edited and abridged version of the CRC Handbook of Physical Properties of Rocks, published in three volumes in 1982 - 1984, will serve as an easy-to-use source of current and useful reference information.
Introduction to Mineralogy and Petrology
Author: Swapan Kumar Haldar
Publisher: Elsevier
ISBN: 0323851363
Category : Science
Languages : en
Pages : 437
Book Description
Introduction to Mineralogy and Petrology, second edition, presents the essentials of both disciplines through an approach accessible to industry professionals, academic researchers, and students alike. This new edition emphasizes the relationship between rocks and minerals, right from the structures created during rock formation through the economics of mineral deposits. While petrology is classified on the lines of geological evolution and rock formation, mineralogy speaks to the physical and chemical properties, uses, and global occurrences for each mineral, emphasizing the need for the growth of human development. The primary goal is for the reader to identify minerals in all respects, including host-rocks, and mineral deposits, with additional knowledge of mineral-exploration, resource, extraction, process, and ultimate use. To help provide a comprehensive analysis across ethical and socio-economic dimensions, a separate chapter describes the hazards associated with minerals, rocks, and mineral industries, and the consequences to humanity along with remedies and case studies. New to the second edition: includes coverage of minerals and petrology in extra-terrestrial environments as well as case studies on the hazards of the mining industry. Addresses the full scope of core concepts of mineralogy and petrology, including crystal structure, formation and grouping of minerals and soils, definition, origin, structure and classification of igneous, sedimentary and metamorphic rocks Features more than 250 figures, illustrations and color photographs to vividly explore the fundamental principles of mineralogy and petrology Offers a holistic approach to both subjects, beginning with the formation of geologic structures that is followed by the hosting of mineral deposits and the exploration and extraction of lucrative, usable products that improve the health of global economies Includes new content on minerals and petrology in extraterrestrial environments and case studies on hazards in the mining industry
Publisher: Elsevier
ISBN: 0323851363
Category : Science
Languages : en
Pages : 437
Book Description
Introduction to Mineralogy and Petrology, second edition, presents the essentials of both disciplines through an approach accessible to industry professionals, academic researchers, and students alike. This new edition emphasizes the relationship between rocks and minerals, right from the structures created during rock formation through the economics of mineral deposits. While petrology is classified on the lines of geological evolution and rock formation, mineralogy speaks to the physical and chemical properties, uses, and global occurrences for each mineral, emphasizing the need for the growth of human development. The primary goal is for the reader to identify minerals in all respects, including host-rocks, and mineral deposits, with additional knowledge of mineral-exploration, resource, extraction, process, and ultimate use. To help provide a comprehensive analysis across ethical and socio-economic dimensions, a separate chapter describes the hazards associated with minerals, rocks, and mineral industries, and the consequences to humanity along with remedies and case studies. New to the second edition: includes coverage of minerals and petrology in extra-terrestrial environments as well as case studies on the hazards of the mining industry. Addresses the full scope of core concepts of mineralogy and petrology, including crystal structure, formation and grouping of minerals and soils, definition, origin, structure and classification of igneous, sedimentary and metamorphic rocks Features more than 250 figures, illustrations and color photographs to vividly explore the fundamental principles of mineralogy and petrology Offers a holistic approach to both subjects, beginning with the formation of geologic structures that is followed by the hosting of mineral deposits and the exploration and extraction of lucrative, usable products that improve the health of global economies Includes new content on minerals and petrology in extraterrestrial environments and case studies on hazards in the mining industry
The Periodic Table
Author: Eric R. Scerri
Publisher:
ISBN: 019091436X
Category : Biography & Autobiography
Languages : en
Pages : 503
Book Description
The Periodic Table: Its Story and Its Significance traces the evolution and development of the periodic table, from Mendeleev's 1869 first published table and onto the modern understanding provided by modern physics.
Publisher:
ISBN: 019091436X
Category : Biography & Autobiography
Languages : en
Pages : 503
Book Description
The Periodic Table: Its Story and Its Significance traces the evolution and development of the periodic table, from Mendeleev's 1869 first published table and onto the modern understanding provided by modern physics.
Advanced Mineralogy
Author: A. S. Marfunin
Publisher: Springer Science & Business Media
ISBN: 3642785239
Category : Science
Languages : en
Pages : 570
Book Description
All existing introductory reviews of mineralogy are written accord ing to the same algorithm, sometimes called the "Dana System of Mineralogy". Even modern advanced handbooks, which are cer tainly necessary, include basic data on minerals and are essentially descriptive. When basic information on the chemistry, structure, optical and physical properties, distinguished features and para genesis of 200-400 minerals is presented, then there is practically no further space available to include new ideas and concepts based on recent mineral studies. A possible solution to this dilemma would be to present a book beginning where introductory textbooks end for those already famil iar with the elementary concepts. Such a volume would be tailored to specialists in all fields of science and industry, interested in the most recent results in mineralogy. This approach may be called Advanced Mineralogy. Here, an attempt has been made to survey the current possibilities and aims in mineral matter investigations, including the main characteristics of all the methods, the most important problems and topics of mineral ogy, and related studies. The individual volumes are composed of short, condensed chap ters. Each chapter presents in a complete, albeit condensed, form specific problems, methods, theories, and directions of investigations, and estimates their importance and strategic position in science and industry.
Publisher: Springer Science & Business Media
ISBN: 3642785239
Category : Science
Languages : en
Pages : 570
Book Description
All existing introductory reviews of mineralogy are written accord ing to the same algorithm, sometimes called the "Dana System of Mineralogy". Even modern advanced handbooks, which are cer tainly necessary, include basic data on minerals and are essentially descriptive. When basic information on the chemistry, structure, optical and physical properties, distinguished features and para genesis of 200-400 minerals is presented, then there is practically no further space available to include new ideas and concepts based on recent mineral studies. A possible solution to this dilemma would be to present a book beginning where introductory textbooks end for those already famil iar with the elementary concepts. Such a volume would be tailored to specialists in all fields of science and industry, interested in the most recent results in mineralogy. This approach may be called Advanced Mineralogy. Here, an attempt has been made to survey the current possibilities and aims in mineral matter investigations, including the main characteristics of all the methods, the most important problems and topics of mineral ogy, and related studies. The individual volumes are composed of short, condensed chap ters. Each chapter presents in a complete, albeit condensed, form specific problems, methods, theories, and directions of investigations, and estimates their importance and strategic position in science and industry.
Laboratory Manual for Introductory Geology
Author: Bradley Deline
Publisher:
ISBN: 9781940771366
Category : History
Languages : en
Pages : 362
Book Description
Developed by three experts to coincide with geology lab kits, this laboratory manual provides a clear and cohesive introduction to the field of geology. Introductory Geology is designed to ease new students into the often complex topics of physical geology and the study of our planet and its makeup. This text introduces readers to the various uses of the scientific method in geological terms. Readers will encounter a comprehensive yet straightforward style and flow as they journey through this text. They will understand the various spheres of geology and begin to master geological outcomes which derive from a growing knowledge of the tools and subjects which this text covers in great detail.
Publisher:
ISBN: 9781940771366
Category : History
Languages : en
Pages : 362
Book Description
Developed by three experts to coincide with geology lab kits, this laboratory manual provides a clear and cohesive introduction to the field of geology. Introductory Geology is designed to ease new students into the often complex topics of physical geology and the study of our planet and its makeup. This text introduces readers to the various uses of the scientific method in geological terms. Readers will encounter a comprehensive yet straightforward style and flow as they journey through this text. They will understand the various spheres of geology and begin to master geological outcomes which derive from a growing knowledge of the tools and subjects which this text covers in great detail.
Minerals, Critical Minerals, and the U.S. Economy
Author: National Research Council
Publisher: National Academies Press
ISBN: 0309112826
Category : Political Science
Languages : en
Pages : 263
Book Description
Minerals are part of virtually every product we use. Common examples include copper used in electrical wiring and titanium used to make airplane frames and paint pigments. The Information Age has ushered in a number of new mineral uses in a number of products including cell phones (e.g., tantalum) and liquid crystal displays (e.g., indium). For some minerals, such as the platinum group metals used to make cataytic converters in cars, there is no substitute. If the supply of any given mineral were to become restricted, consumers and sectors of the U.S. economy could be significantly affected. Risks to minerals supplies can include a sudden increase in demand or the possibility that natural ores can be exhausted or become too difficult to extract. Minerals are more vulnerable to supply restrictions if they come from a limited number of mines, mining companies, or nations. Baseline information on minerals is currently collected at the federal level, but no established methodology has existed to identify potentially critical minerals. This book develops such a methodology and suggests an enhanced federal initiative to collect and analyze the additional data needed to support this type of tool.
Publisher: National Academies Press
ISBN: 0309112826
Category : Political Science
Languages : en
Pages : 263
Book Description
Minerals are part of virtually every product we use. Common examples include copper used in electrical wiring and titanium used to make airplane frames and paint pigments. The Information Age has ushered in a number of new mineral uses in a number of products including cell phones (e.g., tantalum) and liquid crystal displays (e.g., indium). For some minerals, such as the platinum group metals used to make cataytic converters in cars, there is no substitute. If the supply of any given mineral were to become restricted, consumers and sectors of the U.S. economy could be significantly affected. Risks to minerals supplies can include a sudden increase in demand or the possibility that natural ores can be exhausted or become too difficult to extract. Minerals are more vulnerable to supply restrictions if they come from a limited number of mines, mining companies, or nations. Baseline information on minerals is currently collected at the federal level, but no established methodology has existed to identify potentially critical minerals. This book develops such a methodology and suggests an enhanced federal initiative to collect and analyze the additional data needed to support this type of tool.
Structural-Chemical Systematics of Minerals
Author: Alexander A. Godovikov
Publisher: Springer
ISBN: 3319728776
Category : Science
Languages : en
Pages : 323
Book Description
This book represents new structural-chemical minerals of A.A. Godovikov which reflects the latest data on communication of the chemical composition with structure and properties of minerals, conditions of their formation, their paragenesis. The following features lay its basis: a) the numerous, often not considered earlier chemical signs on which chemical properties of minerals, conditions of their formation or paragenesis may depend; b) the determined consistent patterns of communication between chemical compounds structure and fundamental properties of the elements forming them; c) regularities of structure change and properties of minerals depending on physical and chemical parameters of formation or environment systems. This systematiŃ considers real associations, differences in physical and chemical parameters at which minerals are forming and existing. In this systematic sometimes the preference is given to the last signs because all natural associations aren't casual in an arrangement of minerals, so they formed as a result of difficult and longtime selection. The properties of minerals are coordinated with their structure, formation conditions. The transition conditions from one taxon to another both at one level and at its deepenings are accurately formulated. The primary type of a chemical bond was accepted as leading sign of five highest taxons. The lowest taxons were allocated on: a) the mineral belongings to izodesmichesky or anizodesmichesky connections; b) the type of anion, cation; c) the coordination number of an anionoobrazovatel; d) the size of CX; e) the type of the structure. The signs which are in the basis for systematization give the chance to find the place for new mineral types in the tables, to change the place of mineral in connection with specification of its formula or structure. They also allow to distinguish new taxons for the new mineral types representing chemical compounds, earlier not known in nature. Thus this systematic is not a stiffened representation but the developing system.
Publisher: Springer
ISBN: 3319728776
Category : Science
Languages : en
Pages : 323
Book Description
This book represents new structural-chemical minerals of A.A. Godovikov which reflects the latest data on communication of the chemical composition with structure and properties of minerals, conditions of their formation, their paragenesis. The following features lay its basis: a) the numerous, often not considered earlier chemical signs on which chemical properties of minerals, conditions of their formation or paragenesis may depend; b) the determined consistent patterns of communication between chemical compounds structure and fundamental properties of the elements forming them; c) regularities of structure change and properties of minerals depending on physical and chemical parameters of formation or environment systems. This systematiŃ considers real associations, differences in physical and chemical parameters at which minerals are forming and existing. In this systematic sometimes the preference is given to the last signs because all natural associations aren't casual in an arrangement of minerals, so they formed as a result of difficult and longtime selection. The properties of minerals are coordinated with their structure, formation conditions. The transition conditions from one taxon to another both at one level and at its deepenings are accurately formulated. The primary type of a chemical bond was accepted as leading sign of five highest taxons. The lowest taxons were allocated on: a) the mineral belongings to izodesmichesky or anizodesmichesky connections; b) the type of anion, cation; c) the coordination number of an anionoobrazovatel; d) the size of CX; e) the type of the structure. The signs which are in the basis for systematization give the chance to find the place for new mineral types in the tables, to change the place of mineral in connection with specification of its formula or structure. They also allow to distinguish new taxons for the new mineral types representing chemical compounds, earlier not known in nature. Thus this systematic is not a stiffened representation but the developing system.
Minerals: A Very Short Introduction
Author: David Vaughan
Publisher: OUP Oxford
ISBN: 0191505331
Category : Science
Languages : en
Pages : 188
Book Description
Minerals existed long before any forms of life, playing a key role in the origin and evolution of life; an interaction with biological systems that we are only now beginning to understand. Exploring the traditional strand of mineralogy, which emphasises the important mineral families, the well-established analytical methods (optical microscopy and X-ray diffraction) and the dramatic developments made in techniques over recent decades, David Vaughan also introduces the modern strand of mineralogy, which explores the role minerals play in the plate tectonic cycle and how they interact with the living world. Demonstrating how minerals can be critical for human health and illness by providing essential nutrients and releasing poisons, Vaughan explores the multitude of ways in which minerals have aided our understanding of the world. ABOUT THE SERIES: The Very Short Introductions series from Oxford University Press contains hundreds of titles in almost every subject area. These pocket-sized books are the perfect way to get ahead in a new subject quickly. Our expert authors combine facts, analysis, perspective, new ideas, and enthusiasm to make interesting and challenging topics highly readable.
Publisher: OUP Oxford
ISBN: 0191505331
Category : Science
Languages : en
Pages : 188
Book Description
Minerals existed long before any forms of life, playing a key role in the origin and evolution of life; an interaction with biological systems that we are only now beginning to understand. Exploring the traditional strand of mineralogy, which emphasises the important mineral families, the well-established analytical methods (optical microscopy and X-ray diffraction) and the dramatic developments made in techniques over recent decades, David Vaughan also introduces the modern strand of mineralogy, which explores the role minerals play in the plate tectonic cycle and how they interact with the living world. Demonstrating how minerals can be critical for human health and illness by providing essential nutrients and releasing poisons, Vaughan explores the multitude of ways in which minerals have aided our understanding of the world. ABOUT THE SERIES: The Very Short Introductions series from Oxford University Press contains hundreds of titles in almost every subject area. These pocket-sized books are the perfect way to get ahead in a new subject quickly. Our expert authors combine facts, analysis, perspective, new ideas, and enthusiasm to make interesting and challenging topics highly readable.