An Introduction to the Study of Mineralogy for Australian Readers (Classic Reprint)

Mastering mineralogy with an Australian focus.

This comprehensive guide presents the study of minerals as a natural, field‑ready science. Written as a textbook for college students, it also speaks to curious readers beyond the classroom who want to understand mineral occurrence and lab practice in Australasia.

This edition blends theory with practical methods. It explains how rocks, minerals, and their textures form, and how to identify minerals through properties such as crystal structure, optical behavior, and chemical composition. It places special emphasis on local Australian specimens, showing where minerals occur and how to study them in the field and in the laboratory. The text supports laboratory work with clear procedures, demonstrations, and real‑world examples.
What you’ll experience

• A solid foundation in systematic mineralogy, including crystallography, physical and optical properties, and chemical methods.
• Practical guidance for identifying minerals in the lab and in natural settings, with local Australian examples.
• Structured chapters on crystals, symmetry, and mineral classification, plus techniques for lab analysis and specimen work.
• A detailed reference index that helps you locate minerals by name, form, and property for quick study.

Ideal for readers of geology, mining, and earth science who want a rigorous, field‑based approach to mineral identification and study.