Collector's Guide to the Vesuvianite Group

Among rock-forming minerals, the vesuvianite group is best known through the many colorful crystals collected at the Jeffrey quarry, in Asbestos, Canada. Spectacular finds in China and Pakistan have added interest in this mineral group. The detailed text begins with an explanation of the chemistry and taxonomy of the group and a discussion of ongoing research into problems such as color, structure, and optically anomalous crystals. A section on their formation and geochemistry explains the kinds of environments where vesuvianites are formed. Each mineral has a detailed entry for information on important localities. Over 90 full-color photos show what good specimens look like and which minerals to expect to find associated with vesuvianites. Anyone with a passion for minerals will find this book fascinating.

Robert Lauf has been collecting and writing about minerals for years. He has written several previous books in a series on minerals with Schiffer Publishing.