Minerals are solid, naturally occurring inorganic substances that form the building blocks of rocks, and, therefore, our planet’s crust. Minerals & Crystals examines a selection of important minerals that occur on Earth, how they form, their physical characteristics, and how to go about identifying them. Mineral species descriptions detail their gemological properties, history, occurrence and uses, and are illustrated with striking full-colour photographs. An invaluable guide for collectors, gemologists, students and anyone with an interest in earth sciences. Sales points: Highly illustrated accessible guide to minerals, their chemistry and morphology; full-colour photographs of each mineral; easy ID of more than 120 minerals.
Terence McCarthy is emeritus Professor of Mineral Geochemistry at the University of the Witwatersrand. He has wide research interests in the earth sciences, including economic and environmental geology, geochemistry and geomorphology, and is a leading expert on the geology of wetlands.
He is co-author of The Story of Earth and Life and How on Earth?
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Bruce Cairncross is Professor of Geology and Chairman of the Geology Department at the University of Johannesburg. He has a special interest in documenting and preserving southern Africa’s mineralogical heritage, and is the author or co-author of a number of books, including Field Guide to Rocks & Minerals of Southern Africa and Pocket Guide: Rocks & Minerals of Southern Africa.
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