Of huge relevance in a number of fields, this is a survey of the different processes of soil clay mineral formation and the consequences of these processes concerning the soil ecosystem, especially plant and mineral. Two independent systems form soil materials. The first is the interaction of rocks and water, unstable minerals adjusting to surface conditions. The second is the interaction of the biosphere with clays in the upper parts of alteration profiles.

Fluvial deposits represent the preserved record of one of the major nonmarine environ ments. They accumulate in large and small intermontane valleys, in the broad valleys of trunk rivers, in the wedges of alluvial fans flanking areas of uplift, in the outwash plains fronting melting glaciers, and in coastal plains. The nature of alluvial assemblages - their lithofacies composition, vertical stratigraphic record, and architecture - reflect an inter play of many processes, from the wandering of individual channels across a floodplain, to the long-term effects of uplift and subsidence. Fluvial deposits are a sensitive indicator of tectonic processes, and also carry subtle signatures of the climate at the time of deposition. They are the hosts for many petroleum and mineral deposits. This book is about all these subjects. The first part of the book, following a historical introduction, constructs the strati graphic framework of fluvial deposits, step by step, starting with lithofacies, combining these into architectural elements and other facies associations, and then showing how these, in turn, combine to represent distinctive fluvial styles. Next, the discussion turns to problems of correlation and the building of large-scale stratigraphic frameworks. These basin-scale constructions form the basis for a discussion of causes and processes, including autogenic processes of channel shifting and cyclicity, and the larger questions of allogenic (tectonic, eustatic, and climatic) sedimentary controls and the development of our ideas about nonmarine sequence stratigraphy."

This volume is a collection of lectures presented during the 2009 International School on High-pressure Crystal- graphy, which took place at the Ettore Majorana Center for Scientific Culture, between June 4 and 14, 2009, in the very picturesque Sicilian town of Erice. st The 2009 school was the 41 course of the "International School of Cryst- lography" organized at the Majorana Center and was directed by Elena Figure 1. Audience, including local Boldyreva (Novosibirsk University) organizers (orange scarfs) and student and Przemyslaw Dera (University of participants during one of the lectures. Chicago). Unmatched support and excellent on-site organization was provided by the expert team consisting of Prof. Paola Spadon (Uniersity of Padova), Prof. Lodovico Riva di San Severino (University of Bologna), Elena Papinutto and Prof. John Irvin (University of California, San Franciso), aided by great team of young local organizers ("orange scarfs"). Major part of funding for the school was provided by a grant from the NATO Science for Peace and Security program, through which the 2009 Erice school was recognized as a NATO Advanced Study Institute (ASI).

From the reviews: " ...] an excellent reference book. I have no doubt it will become a much-thumbed resource for students and researchers in mineralogy and crystallography." Geological Magazine

The techniques available for the chemical analysis of silicate without an appreciation of what happens in between. rocks have undergone a revolution over the last 30 years. However, to use an analytical technique most effectively, No longer is the analytical balance the only instrument used it is essential to understand its analytical characteristics, in for quantitative measurement, as it was in the days of classi particular the excitation mechanism and the response of the cal gravimetric procedures. A wide variety of instrumental signal detection system. In this book, these characteristics techniques is now commonly used for silicate rock analysis, have been described within a framework of practical ana including some that incorporate excitation sources and detec lytical aplications, especially for the routine multi-element tion systems that have been developed only in the last few analysis of silicate rocks. All analytical techniques available years. These instrumental developments now permit a wide for routine silicate rock analysis are discussed, including range of trace elements to be determined on a routine basis. some more specialized procedures. Sufficient detail is In parallel with these exciting advances, users have tended included to provide practitioners of geochemistry with a firm to become more remote from the data production process. base from which to assess current performance, and in some This is, in part, an inevitable result of the widespread intro cases, future developments."

Phenomenal new observations from Earth-based telescopes and Mars-based orbiters, landers, and rovers have dramatically advanced our understanding of the past environments on Mars. These include the first global-scale infrared and reflectance spectroscopic maps of the surface, leading to the discovery of key minerals indicative of specific past climate conditions; the discovery of large reservoirs of subsurface water ice; and the detailed in situ roving investigations of three new landing sites. This an important, new overview of the compositional and mineralogic properties of Mars since the last major study published in 1992. An exciting resource for all researchers and students in planetary science, astronomy, space exploration, planetary geology, and planetary geochemistry where specialized terms are explained to be easily understood by all who are just entering the field.

Komatiites erupted billions of years ago as pulsating streams of white-hot lava. Their unusual chemical compositions and exceptionally high formation temperatures produced highly fluid lava that crystallized as spectacular layered flows. Investigation of the extreme conditions in which komatiites formed provides important evidence about the thermal and chemical evolution of the planet, and the nature of the Precambrian mantle. This monograph, written by three experts with long experience in the field, presents a complete account of the characteristics of komatiites including their volcanic structures, textures, mineralogy and chemical compositions. Models for their formation and eruption are evaluated (including the anhydrous vs. hydrous magmas controversy). A chapter is also devoted to the valuable nickel and copper ore deposits found in komatiites. Komatiite is a key reference for researchers and advanced students interested in petrology, Archaean geology, economic geology, and broader questions about the evolution of the Earth's crust and mantle.

The classic in the field since 1848, this extraordinary reference offers readers unsurpassed coverage of mineralogy and crystallography. The book is known for integrating complete coverage of concepts and principles with a more systematic and descriptive treatment of mineralogy. The revised edition now includes a CD-ROM to let readers see the minerals and crystals, while also viewing chemical composition, symmetry, and morphological crystallography.

The vibrations of atoms inside crystals - lattice dynamics - is basic to many fields of study in the solid-state and mineral sciences. Lattice dynamics is becoming increasingly important for work on mineral stability. This book provides a self-contained text that introduces the subject from a basic level and then takes the reader through real applications of the theory. The book is aimed at advanced undergraduates, graduate students and research workers in the earth and solid-state sciences who need to incorporate lattice dynamic treatments into their work. Applications include the use of lattice dynamics instabilities to study the origin of phase transitions in crystals and the use of vibrational spectra to obtain information about inter-atomic forces.

Of the many techniques that have been applied to the study of crystal defects, none has contributed more to our understanding of their nature and influence on the physical and chemical properties of crystalline materials than transmission electron microscopy (TEM). TEM is now used extensively by an increasing number of earth scientists for direct observation of defect microstructures in minerals and rocks. Transmission Electron Microscopy of Rocks and Minerals is an introduction to the principles of the technique and is the only book to date on the subject written specifically for geologists and mineralogists. The first part of the book deals with the essential physics of the transmission electron microscope and presents the basic theoretical background required for the interpretation of images and electron diffraction patterns. The final chapters are concerned with specific applications of TEM in mineralogy and deal with such topics as planar defects, intergrowths, radiation-induced defects, dislocations and deformation-induced microstructures. The examples cover a wide range of rock-forming minerals from crustal rocks to those in the lower mantle, and also take into account the role of defects in important mineralogical and geological processes.

This book is based on the modern conceptual understanding of crystal fields. It clarifies several issues that have historically produced confusion in this area, particularly the effects of covalency and ligand polarization on the energy spectra of magnetic ions. This comprehensive volume provides readers with clear instructions and a set of computer programs for the phenomenological analysis of energy spectra of magnetic ions in solids. Readers are shown how to employ a hierarchy of parametrized models to extract as much information as possible from observed lanthanide and actinide spectra. All computer programs included in the volume are freely available on the Internet. It will be of particular interest to graduate students and researchers working in the development of opto-electronic systems and magnetic materials.

Condensed matter physics leads to a "first-principles" way of looking at crystals, enabling physicists and mineralogists to study the rich and sometimes unexpected behavior that minerals exhibit under the extreme conditions within the earth. This volume fully details the exciting interaction between geophysics and condensed matter physics. Leading international researchers from both geosciences and condensed matter physics detail this cutting edge, interdisciplinary field. The volume is an excellent summary for specialists and graduate students researching mineralogy and crystallography.

In this edition, most of the commonly occurring minerals of igneous, metamorphic and sedimentary rocks are discussed in terms of structure, chemistry, optical and other physical properties, distinguishing features and paragenesis. Important correlations between these aspects of mineralogy are emphasized wherever possible. The content of each section has been updated where needed in the light of published research over the 21 years between editions. Tables of over 200 chemical analyses and formulae are included and a number of older entries have been replaced by more recent examples. Major new features: Entirely new views of crystal structures in perspective using CrystalMaker colour images; Over 60 colour photographs of minerals in thin sections of rocks under the petrological microscope; Considerably expanded treatment of feldspar and zeolite minerals; Mineral identification table based on birefringence and listing other properties; Colour strip with appropriate interference colours and birefringences for the main rock-forming minerals. This book will be useful to undergraduate students of mineralogy, petrology and geochemistry, especially those at third or fourth year, engaged in more advanced courses or specialized projects, and also as a reference work for students for 'Masters' degrees by taught courses or research. For doctorate students, and research workers in the Earth Sciences as well as those in Materials Science and other related disciplines, this work can be useful as a condensed version of the very extensive treatment presented in the volumes of the DHZ Series 'Rock-Forming Minerals', second edition. Buyers through online retailers should contact the Mineralogical Society in order to receive the free CD which goes with the book ([email protected]).

The role of hydrothermal fluids during the crystallization of layered intrusions and the ore deposits they contain has long been debated. This book summarizes the evidence for fluid-crystal-liquid (hydromagmatic) interactions and their importance for the understanding of the formation of platinum-group deposits in layered intrusions. It discusses the composition of igneous fluids in mafic magmatic systems, the generation and movement of these fluids in layered intrusions, their impact in altering the mineralogy and composition of the originally precipitated assemblages, and their role in the transport of the platinum-group elements (PGE). Using examples from the Bushveld complex of South Africa and other intrusions, this book provides a comprehensive overview of the hydromagmatic model for the origin of various features of layered intrusions. It is a useful reference for academic researchers and professional geologists working on economic mineral exploration, layered igneous intrusions, and hydrothermal metallogenesis.

With an approach that stresses the fundamental solid state behaviour of minerals, and with emphasis on both theory and experiment, this text surveys the physics and chemistry of earth materials. It starts with a systematic tour of crystal chemistry of both simple and complex structures (with completely new structural drawings) and discusses how structural and thermodynamic information is obtained experimentally. The quantitative concepts of chemical bonding band theory, molecular orbit and ionic models are reviewed. The book goes on to discuss physical properties and to relate microscopic features to macroscopic thermodynamic behaviour. The book then discusses high pressure phase transitions, amorphous materials and solid state reactions, and concludes with a look at the interface between mineral physics and materials science. Highly illustrated throughout, this book is designed to fill the gap between undergraduate texts and specialized review volumes, for students in earth sciences and materials science.

The review chapters collected here were the basis for a two-day short course on nontraditional stable isotopes held in May 2004 in Montreal, Canada.

Many materials used in industry are crystals. These crystals often show anomalies, such as sudden softening or embrittlement at certain temperatures. If controlled, such behavior can be extremely useful, for manufacturing and high-technology applications. This is one of the first books to describe the recently determined physical origins of such behavior, and provides an insight into the important thermodynamic principles and microstructural properties involved. It starts with the fundamental principles of structural phase transitions in materials. Ferroelasticity, twinning and related microstructures are then described. Landau-type theories of phase transitions are introduced, together with details of elastic and specific heat anomalies, the formation of spontaneous strain, and the generation of solitary waves at temperatures close to the transition point.

The subject of mineralogy has moved away from the systematic treatment of mineral groups toward the study of the behavior of minerals in response to geological processes. It is vital that we understand the physics and chemistry of minerals as this response generally involves structural and chemical changes within individual minerals as well as reactions between minerals. This is the first text to provide an introduction to modern mineralogy for undergraduate students. The main, and often complex, concepts required to understand minerals and the processes that take place within them are presented in an easy to follow manner without any complex mathematical treatment. The book deals with solid-state transformations in minerals, which take place in response to changes in temperature and pressure, as well as introducing the basic crystallography, physics and chemistry needed to understand these processes. No knowledge of physics, chemistry and mathematics beyond high-school level is assumed.

Features 135 splendid color photographs, ranges from vast rock-landscapes recorded in Europe, America, Australia, and Iceland right down to finely detailed images of a few square millimeters. Close-ups of crystals, gems, and fossils are alternated with micro-images of the minute textures and patterns that emerge from thin, translucent sections of rocks and minerals. Literally, as well as figuratively Dirk Wiersma, the photographer, zooms in` on the subject matter, leading the reader deeper into various spaces of surprising new forms and perspectives, at times abstract, at other times (pseudo)realistic. Brief accompanying texts are written in a style that is accessible and appealing to a general audience, while also providing the necessary factual information.

Ocean Hotspots provides a comprehensive overview of recent and ongoing research on intraplate volcanism in the ocean basins with special emphasis on the Pacific Ocean. The geology of the seamounts and their associated seamount chains is described, along with detailed geophysical, geochemical and hydrothermal observations made by a multi-disciplinary group of marine geoscientists. These observations lead to a deeper understanding of how the ascending mantle melts, represented by hotspots, are able to penetrate the lithosphere, build seamounts, and enhance hydrothermal circulation. The "fixed" hotspot-generated seamount chains also provide key constraints on plate tectonic reconstructions on the Earth's crust.

Framboids may be the most astonishing and abundant natural features you've never heard of. These microscopic spherules of golden pyrite consist of thousands of even smaller microcrystals, often arranged in stunning geometric arrays. They are rarely more than twenty micrometers across, and often look like miniscule raspberries under the microscope. The formation of a framboid is the result of self-assembly of pyrite micro- and nano-crystals under the influence of surface forces. They can be found all around us in rocks of all ages and present-day sediments, soils, and natural waters. Our planet makes billions every second and has been doing so for most of recorded geologic time. As a result, there are more framboids on our planet than there are sand grains on Earth or stars in the observable universe. The microscopic size of framboids belies their importance to contemporary science. They help us better understand inorganic self-assembly and self-organization, and studying them illuminates Earth's evolutionary history. In this book, David Rickard explains what framboids are, how they are formed, and what we can learn from them. The book's thirteen chapters trace everything from their basic attributes and mineralogy to their biogeochemistry and paleoenvironmental significance. Rickard expands on the most updated research and recent developments in geology, chemistry, biology, materials science, biogeochemistry, mineralogy, and crystallography, making this a must-have guide for researchers.

Principles of Metamorphic Petrology provides a modern introduction to the latest ideas, techniques and approaches in the study of metamorphic rocks. The book begins with basic concepts, but advances further than most other metamorphic petrology texts. Examples of this include the latest chemographic approaches, the correct use of pseudosections and the application of x-ray compositional mapping to metamorphic problems. It also covers recent advances in thermobarometry and the application of modern geochronological techniques to the absolute timing of tectonometamorphic events. Determination of parent rocks is covered in detail and there is a modern exposition of partial melting reactions, melt extraction and deformation of migmatites. The book includes a large number of references to lead students into independent investigation. A valuable text for advanced undergraduate and graduate courses in metamorphic petrology, that serves as the most current reference for researchers and exploration geologists.

Crystals are sometimes called "Flowers of the Mineral Kingdom." In addition to their great beauty, crystals and other textured materials are enormously useful in electronics, optics, acoustics, and many other engineering applications. This richly illustrated text describes the underlying principles of crystal physics and chemistry, covering a wide range of topics, and illustrating numerous applications in many fields of engineering using the most important materials. It has been written at a level suitable for science and engineering students and cab be used for teaching a one- or two-semester course.
Tensors, matrices, symmetry, and structure-property relationships form the main subjects of the book. While tensors and matrices provide the mathematical framework for understanding anistropy, on which the physical and chemical properties of crystals and textured materials often depend, atomistic arguments are also needed to qualify the property coefficients in various directions. The atomistic arguments are partly based on symmetry and party on the basic physics and chemistry of materials.
After introducing the point groups appropriate for single crystals, textured materials, and ordered magnetic structures, the directional properties of many different materials are described: linear and nonlinear elasticity, piezoelectricity and electrostriction, magnetic phenomena, diffusion and other transport properties, and both primary and secondary ferroic behavior. With crystal optics (its roots in classical mineralogy) having become an important component of the information age, nonlinear optics is described along with the piezo-optics and electro-optics, and analagous linear andnonlinear acoustic wave phenomena. Enantiomorphism, optical activity, and chemical anisotropy are discussed in the final chapters of the book.

Dieses Buch stellt das Grundwissen der Mineralogie knapp und verstandlich dar. Als Studierende der Mineralogie, Geowissenschaften, Werkstoff-/ Materialwissenschaften und benachbarter Fachrichtungen, werden Ihnen die essentiellen physikalisch-chemischen Grundlagen in diesem Lehrbuch ubersichtlich vorgestellt. Als Absolventen dient Ihnen diese kurze Zusammenstellung hervorragend zum Nachschlagen der wichtigsten Fakten. Es werden vier grosse Kernbereiche behandelt: Die Kristallographie, von den Grundlagen der Symmetrie bis hin zum Realkristall, vom Feinbau der Kristalle uber die Bravais Gitter, roentgenographische Grundlagen bis zum Realbau der Kristalle. Die Kristallchemie, mit den grundlegenden Prinzipien, chemischen Variationen und ausgewahlten Begrifflichkeiten. Die Mineralphysik, mit einem UEberblick der physikalischen Eigenschaften von Kristallen. Und die Phasenlehre mit geometrischer Betrachtung und Interpretation von unaren, binaren und ternaren Systemen allgemeiner Art.