Robert J. Lauf

Robert Lauf grew up in Chicago and attended the University of Illinois, ultimately receiving a Ph.D. in Metallurgical Engineering. His scientific career included over twenty years at Oak Ridge National Laboratory, where he conducted research on topics ranging from nuclear fuel, coal by-products, materials synthesis, microwave processing, sensors, optical materials, and biomineralization. He has been granted over forty U.S. Patents for his inventions, many of which have become successful industrial products. He is now a Registered Patent Agent and technology consultant. When he isn't writing mineral books, he may be found in the garden, playing his bass guitar, or riding his Hog (an '06 Low Rider if you must know).

In addition to the books in print, there are presently four more in the pipeline, and roughly a dozen in the planning stage.