Description
The definitive resource for mineral collectors, this comprehensive book describes the structural relationships among orthosilicate minerals, known for their hardness and brilliant colours, and the geological conditions that create prized specimens. It is illustrated with nearly 500 structure diagrams, colour photos, and electron micrographs that will help collectors appreciate the minerals already in their collection, build a collection with greater depth, and find additional information. A web link allows readers to view the crystal structures in three dimensions for a richer appreciation of their details, and an extensive bibliography includes easily accessible references ranging from foundational literature to reports on current scientific research. AUTHOR: Robert J. Lauf holds a PhD in metallurgical engineering from the University of Illinois. His scientific career included over 20 years at Oak Ridge National Laboratory, where he conducted research on topics ranging from nuclear fuel, coal by-products, materials synthesis, and microwave processing to sensors, optical materials, and biomineralisation. He has been granted over 40 US patents for his inventions, many of which have become successful industrial products. He is now a registered patent agent and technology consultant. 450 colour and 17 b/w
