The study of minerals encompasses a number of disciplines; in recent years, new crystallographic techniques and increases in computational capacity have led to a greater understanding of atomic mineral properties, which in turn has increased our insight into how rocks and minerals behave on a macro level.
This book has two main sections - one section discusses the use of X-ray diffraction in quantitative analysis and also provides a general introduction to mineralogy, including the history of mineralogy, taxonomy of minerals, crystal types and mineral utilization and economic aspects. The other section of the book focuses on clay minerals and their characterization, modification and application. Examples include the role of clay minerals in the origins of life on earth, how clay minerals affect hydrological processes in the soil, and the challenges associated with studying clay mineral deposition to determine the viability of potential oil and gas fields.
As well as being of interest to students and practitioners in mineralogy, this book will also appeal to those in other scientific disciplines such as geology, chemistry, soil science, physics and engineering, who want have a basic reference work and also wish to gain insight into some of the challenges and new developments associated with contemporary mineralogy.
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