Includes bibliographical references (pages 626-634) and index.
Part I. Structural features of minerals : Subject and history of mineralogy -- Elements, bonding, simple structures and ionic radii -- The concept of a lattice and description of crystal structures -- Macroscopic symmetries: crystal morphology -- Crystal growth and aggregation -- Isomorphism, polymorphism and crystalline defects -- Part II. Physical investigation of minerals : Experimental approaches to crystal structures; X-ray diffraction -- Physical properties -- Optical properties -- Identification of minerals with the petrographic microscope -- Color -- Advanced analytical methods -- Mechanical properties and deformation -- Part III. Variety of minerals and mineral-forming processes : Classification and names of minerals -- Mineral identification of hand specimens -- Mineral genesis -- Stability of minerals; principles of thermodynamics -- Solid solutions -- Part IV. A systematic look at mineral groups : Important information about silica minerals and feldspars -- Simple compounds; unusual occurrences -- Halides; Evaporite deposits -- Carbonates and other minerals with triangular anion groups; Sedimentary origins -- Phosphates, sulfates and related minerals; Apatite as a biogenic mineral -- Sulfides and related minerals; Hydrothermal processes -- Oxides and hydroxides; Review of ionic crystals -- Orthosilicates and ring silicates; Metamorphic mineral assemblages -- Sheet silicates; Weathering of silicate rocks -- Chain silicates; Discussion of some igneous and metamorphic processes -- Framework silicates; Zeolites and ion exchange properties of minerals -- Part V. Applied mineralogy : Metalliferous mineral deposits -- Gemstones -- Cement minerals -- Minerals and human health -- Mineral composition of the solar system -- Mineral composition of the earth.