Isotropic Minerals in Thin Section

Isotropic Minerals in Thin Section volume 1a is an atlas of the optical and ancillary physical properties of isotropic minerals observable by transmitted light microscopy.  The books in this series are intended as a photographic reference to accompany the more traditional theory-focused optical mineralogy textbooks normally used by students and researchers.


Data for a variety of both common and rare species are tabulated: the Nickel-Strunz classification, an end-member formula emphasizing structural units, refractive index, color, relief, any anomalous birefringence present, cleavage, and the typical geologic environment and common associated species.  To aid in identification, each data table concludes with a highlighted section on the most determinative characteristic properties of each featured mineral, as well as the comparative properties of optically-similar species.  A chapter on strategy and techniques, with an easy-to-follow flowchart-style format, aims to help the beginning petrographer develop a good microscopy skill set.  The minerals is this volume are organized by decreasing refractive index; hence, minerals of high, moderate, low, and negative relief are grouped together for easy searching.


In addition to the tabulated data, each mineral is illustrated with high-resolution plane-polarized light (PPL) and crossed polars (XP) images.  Each photo is accompanied by descriptive text that not only identifies the featured mineral, but also fully details the associated species.  The index cross-references associated species in each photo set.  For six of the 16 species described in this volume, photographs from multiple localities are included to show diversity of occurrence, associations, or properties.


Volume 1a focuses specifically on isotropic minerals and covers 16 species, including a selection of spinels, garnets, and feldspathoids.  The specific minerals included are:


almandine (2 localities)

analcime

andradite

fluorite (2 localities)

gahnite

goldmanite

grossular (2 localities)

haüyne

hercynite (2 localities)

lazurite

nosean

pyrochlore

pyrope

sodalite (2 localities)

sphalerite

spinel (2 localities)