Single-Chain Silicates

Single-Chain Silicates examines the mineralogy and crystal chemistry of pyroxenes, pyroxenoids, and wollastonite groups. The book is Volume 2A in the comprehensive Mineralogical Society Rock-Forming Minerals series. The text covers the physical properties, optical characteristics, and chemical compositions of these mineral groups in detail. Chapters progress through the structural relationships between different single-chain silicate minerals and their occurrence in igneous, metamorphic, and sedimentary rocks. The work includes extensive data tables, crystal structure diagrams, and photomicrographs to support the technical analysis. References and indexes allow researchers to locate specific mineral information efficiently. This volume serves as an authoritative reference on single-chain silicates, balancing theoretical concepts with practical applications in mineralogy and petrology. The systematic organization and depth of coverage make it valuable for both academic study and professional geological work.

There are not enough internet reviews to create a summary of this book. Instead, here is a summary of reviews of R A Howie's overall work: Readers consistently reference R A Howie's works, particularly "An Introduction to the Rock-Forming Minerals," as key reference materials in mineralogy and petrology. What readers liked: - Clear explanations of complex mineralogical concepts - Systematic organization of mineral data - High-quality optical property descriptions - Comprehensive reference tables - Detailed crystallographic information What readers disliked: - Dense technical language for beginners - Limited diagrams in older editions - High cost of new editions - Physical weight of complete volumes On Goodreads, "An Introduction to the Rock-Forming Minerals" averages 4.5/5 stars from 89 reviews. Academic book reviews emphasize its value as a reference text, with one reviewer noting it as "the first place to look for detailed mineral information." Amazon reviews (4.7/5 from 42 reviews) highlight its usefulness for advanced students and professionals, though several mention it may overwhelm undergraduate students. A geology student on Reddit wrote: "DHZ (Deer, Howie, Zussman) saved me during my thesis work - the optical data is unmatched."

Structure and Chemistry of Minerals by F. Donald Bloss This text provides crystallographic analysis and structural classifications of various mineral groups with emphasis on silicate structures.

Rock-Forming Minerals by William Alexander Deer, Robert Andrew Howie, and Jack Zussman The comprehensive guide examines mineral chemistry, structure, and occurrences with detailed data tables and structural diagrams.

Atlas of Rock-Forming Minerals in Thin Section by W.S. MacKenzie and C. Guilford The reference work presents microscopic identification characteristics of minerals with photomicrographs and optical properties.

Introduction to Mineral Sciences by Andrew Putnis The text connects crystallography, thermodynamics, and mineral behavior through structural analysis and chemical principles.

Mineralogy: Concepts and Principles by Tibor Zoltai and James H. Stout The work presents mineral structures and classifications with focus on crystallographic principles and chemical relationships.

🔮 Single-chain silicates, also known as inosilicates, form some of Earth's most abundant minerals, including pyroxenes which make up about 11% of the Earth's crust. 🎓 R.A. (Robert Andrew) Howie was a distinguished mineralogist at King's College, Cambridge, and made significant contributions to the understanding of rock-forming minerals. 📚 This volume is part of the prestigious "Rock-Forming Minerals" series, which has been a fundamental reference for geologists and mineralogists since its first publication in 1962. ⚡ The crystal structures described in this book are crucial to understanding earthquake mechanics, as these minerals are major components of the Earth's upper mantle where earthquakes originate. 🏭 Many of the minerals discussed in the book are essential to modern industry, with pyroxenes being used in ceramics, building materials, and even as a source of iron and magnesium in steel production.