Rock microstructures provide clues for the interpretation of rock history. A good understanding of the physical or structural relationships of minerals and rocks is essential for making the most of more detailed chemical and isotopic analyses of minerals. Ron Vernon discusses the basic processes responsible for the wide variety of microstructures in igneous, sedimentary, metamorphic and deformed rocks, using high-quality colour illustrations. He discusses potential complications of interpretation, emphasizing pitfalls, and focussing on the latest techniques and approaches. Opaque minerals (sulphides and oxides) are referred to where appropriate. The comprehensive list of relevant references will be useful for advanced students wishing to delve more deeply into problems of rock microstructure. Senior undergraduate and graduate students of mineralogy, petrology and structural geology will find this book essential reading, and it will also be of interest to students of materials science.

Table of Contents

Preface; 1. Background; 2. Microstructures of sedimentary rocks; 3. Microstructures of igneous rocks; 4. Microstructures of metamorphic rocks; 5. Microstructures of deformed rocks; Mineral symbols used in this book; Glossary of microstructural terms.

About the Author

RON VERNON is Emeritus Professor of Geology at Macquarie University. He has taught undergraduate geology courses in Australia, the US and Canada, as well as writing two books, Metamorphic Processes (1976) and Beneath Our Feet (2000). The latter provides a clear and enthusiastic introduction to rocks for the non-geologist.

Reviews

"An excellent compendium of extensively illustrated microstructures representing the full spectrum of rock types...Vernon's in-depth treatment of microstructures is a valuable addition to the applied literature...Essential." M.E. McCallum, emeritus, Colorado State University, CHOICE