Document Type

Book Review

Publication Date

7-1-2026

Abstract

"Optical mineralogy and petrography not only equip us with the skills necessary to address society’s growing need for rock and mineral resources but also awaken a deeper curiosity—inviting us into moments of discovery that change the way we understand these resources. From observing the vibrant and mesmerizing interference colors of a dunite thin section to examining the uniaxial interference figure of calcite, many of us can still recall the first time we peered through the oculars of a polarizing microscope. Atlas of Minerals and Igneous and Metamorphic Rocks in Thin-Section is an exceptional reference textbook, which nurtures that curiosity and emboldens us to continue exploring the optical properties of the rocks and minerals around us. With approximately 90 rock-forming minerals, 40 igneous rocks, and 15 metamorphic rocks, the 400-page textbook contains hundreds of high-quality, color photomicrographs, tables of optical properties, identification flowcharts, and authoritative content that provides an in-depth and insightful synthesis of Earth materials in thin section." - excerpt

Comments

This work is free to read and licensed by the Mineralogical Society of America (MSA). https://msaweb.org/

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