Research Catalog

Title

Mineralogy for amateurs / John Sinkankas, line drawings and diagrams by the author.

Author

Sinkankas, John

Publication

Princeton, N.J. : Van Nostrand, [1964]

Items in the Library & Off-site

Details

Description

xiii, 585 pages : illustrations; 27 cm

Summary

The full sweep of mineralogy, from the atom to the collection of actual specimens, and all the intricacies of the how, where and why of crystals, will be found in this important volume by an experienced writer, mineralogist and lapidary. Over 136 especially prepared photographs by the author, and 191 line drawings, closely supplement the text. Amateurs who have advanced beyond the beginner stage will enjoy this modern approach to mineralogy as they learn how atoms form crystals, why crystals possess certain properties which distinguish them from each other, what to look for in the way of identifying habits, features and sizes, and where to look for excellent specimens.

Subject

• Mineralogy
• mineralogy
• Mineralogy

Bibliography (note)

• Bibliography: p. 564-570.

Contents

Mineralogy : Introduction : Collecting minerals ; Distinguished amateurs ; The development of mineralogy ; Amateur study of mineralogy ; Some preliminary definitions -- Atoms and minerals : Atomic particles ; Atomic complexity ; Electron shells ; Elements ; Loss or gain of electrons ; Ions and valence ; Atomic bonds ; The design of crystals ; Atomic patterns ; Radicals or complex ions ; Silicate tetrahedra ; Isomorphism ; Solid solution ; Polymorphism ; Non-crystalline minerals -- Classification of minerals : Classification by ions ; Mineral formulas and chemical composition ; Mineral compound names ; Major mineral classes -- Crystal growth : Crystals from melts, solutions and vapors ; How crystals grow ; Development of faces ; External imperfections of crystals ; Internal imperfections of crystals ; Crystal and aggregate habits ; Twinning -- Geometry of crystals : Development of crystallography ; Cell shapes and systems ; Crystal axes ; How faces are related to axes ; Axial ratios ; Locating faces on crystals ; Axes and symmetry ; Reflection of crystal structure in faces ; Faces and forms ; The crystal systems ; The contact goniometer -- Physical properties : Fractures ; Cleavages ; Partings ; Hardness ; The effects of heat ; Magnetism ; Electrical properties ; Radioactivity -- Specific gravity : Determination of specific gravity ; Homemade beam and jolly balances ; Use of heavy liquids ; Selection of test specimens ; Application of results -- Optical properties : Nature of light ; Color ; Streak ; Photoluminescence ; Triboluminescence ; Paths of light ; Refractive index ; Dispersion ; Interference ; Double refraction ; Polarized light ; Pleochroism ; Dichroscopes ; Polariscope ; Axial figures ; Measuring refractive indices ; Immersion method ; Gem refractometer ; Polishing test specimens ; Luster and other reflective effects -- The formation and association of minerals : Mineral formation ; Rock environments ; Rock-mineral associations ; Igneous deposits and associations ; Sedimentary deposits and associations ; Metamorphic deposits and associations -- Identification procedures and tests : Identification scheme ; Importance of associations ; Chemical testing ; Bead tests ; Fusion tests -- Descriptive mineralogy : Introduction -- Native elements -- Sulfides -- Sulfosalts -- Oxides and hydroxides -- Halides -- Carbonates -- Borates -- Sulfates -- Chromates -- Phosphates, arsenates, vanadates -- Tungstates and molybdates -- Silicates.

ISBN

• 0442276249
• 9780442276249

LCCN

64004992

OCLC

• ocm00310182
• 310182
• SCSB-302209

Owning Institutions

Princeton University Library