A Practical Guide to Rock Microstructure

An understanding of the physical relationships of minerals and rocks is essential for making the most of detailed chemical and isotopic mineral analyses. Ron Vernon discusses the basic processes behind various rock microstructures using high-quality colour illustrations, pointing out complications of interpretation, emphasizing pitfalls, and dealing with the latest techniques and approaches. The comprehensive reference list will be useful for advanced students wishing to delve more deeply. Essential reading for senior undergraduate and graduate students of mineralogy, petrology and structural geology, and of interest to students of materials science.

RON VERNON is Emeritus Professor of Geology at Macquarie University. He has taught undergraduate geology courses in Australia, the US and Canada, as well as writing two books, Metamorphic Processes (1976) and Beneath Our Feet (2000). The latter provides a clear and enthusiastic introduction to rocks for the non-geologist.