Minerals: A Very Short Introduction (Very Short Introductions)

Absolutely fascinating. I love rocks and minerals, and this book gave me the overview I needed to understand lots of detailed stuff I've been trying to read. Definitely recommend.

As advertised

I am afraid other reviewers underestimate the scientific complexity here. There are numerous diagrams of chemical structures and quite a few formulas, and the discussion does assume that you have a good deal more than basic chemistry. I couldn't make anything of a great deal of this book. It is not for the general reader. I should think it would be fine for a science student, and the author is clearly a distinguished scholar in the field.

An excellent book that provides very wide coverage of the mineral sciences in an up-to-date and very accessible format.Highly recommended.

A great little book (and a good companion to the VSI, "Rocks") Well done!

Too complex for my needs.

This is a classic example of the VSI series of books as it provides a very informative general introduction to the subject of minerals without recourse to academic complexities, although knowledge of basic chemistry and the periodic table will assist in understanding some aspects of mineral formation. The book addresses not only mineral characteristics, but also the geology of the earth and how various tectonic and environmental processes create the 4000 plus minerals known to man. The sections dealing with the crystalline structure of minerals is particularly interesting, as is the chapter outlining how these natural resources have been utilized over time.For anybody with an interest in earth sciences or those considering the serious study of geology, mineralogy, or crystallography, this book is an ideal modestly-priced primer. Like most of the science related VSI books I have read to date, ‘Minerals’ deserves a five star rating.