Covering theory and practice, this wide-ranging introductory textbook covers the main optical properties of rock-forming minerals that can be recognized under the polarizing microscope. The authors elucidate the basic elements of microscopy, the theory of light transmission through translucent minerals, and the properties of light reflected from op

Introduction to the microscopic study of minerals; Silicate minerals; The non-silicates; Transmitted-light microscopy; Reflected-light theory Appendices: Biaxial minerals; Uniaxial positive minerals; Uniaxial negative minerals; Isotropic minerals; 2 V and sign of biaxial minerals; Properties of ore minerals; Mineral identification chart; Gangue minerals.