Reflected light microscopy is the standard method for the This atlas contains nearly four hundred colour photomicro characterization of ore minerals and hence its role in economic graphs, each accompanied by a description and used to illustrate mineral studies is well established. However, the technique has common mineral assemblages. The photomicrographs are been neglected in routine petrographical studies of unminera grouped together into blocks of associations under a broad lized rocks. This is partly because the recognition and identifi genetic classification scheme, and each block is preceded by a cation of opaque minerals using their optical properties in text that is intended as a brief background and introduction to reflected light is a skill that takes time to master and partly the figured examples and an expansion of their mineralogy and because electron microscopy and microprobe techniques are petrography. The text, therefore, is biased towards descriptive as a substitute for, rather than alongside, the polarizing used petrography and away from economic geology, detailed microscope. descriptions of deposits or ore genesis. The majority of the Unlike translucent minerals in transmitted light, many of the references, nearly all of which are to be found in easily accessible optical properties of opaque minerals in reflected light are textbooks, conference volumes, or journals, reflect this bias. perceived to change as the viewing conditions are altered. In However, for the more important classes of mineral deposits, well polished, untarnished sections the perceived surface colour some recent generalized references are included.

Reflected light microscopy is the standard method for the This atlas contains nearly four hundred colour photomicro characterization of ore minerals and hence its role in economic graphs, each accompanied by a description and used to illustrate mineral studies is well established. However, the technique has common mineral assemblages. The photomicrographs are been neglected in routine petrographical studies of unminera grouped together into blocks of associations under a broad lized rocks. This is partly because the recognition and identifi genetic classification scheme, and each block is preceded by a cation of opaque minerals using their optical properties in text that is intended as a brief background and introduction to reflected light is a skill that takes time to master and partly the figured examples and an expansion of their mineralogy and because electron microscopy and microprobe techniques are petrography. The text, therefore, is biased towards descriptive as a substitute for, rather than alongside, the polarizing used petrography and away from economic geology, detailed microscope. descriptions of deposits or ore genesis. The majority of the Unlike translucent minerals in transmitted light, many of the references, nearly all of which are to be found in easily accessible optical properties of opaque minerals in reflected light are textbooks, conference volumes, or journals, reflect this bias. perceived to change as the viewing conditions are altered. In However, for the more important classes of mineral deposits, well polished, untarnished sections the perceived surface colour some recent generalized references are included.

Provides an up-to-date introduction to the subject of ore microscopy, emphasizing the basic skills required for the study of opaque minerals in polished sections. Describes the modern ore microscope, the preparation of polished and polished-thin sections of opaque minerals and ores, and the identification of these minerals using both qualitative techniques and the quantitative methods of reflectance and microhardness measurement. Later sections discuss the interpretation of textural intergrowths of ore minerals and the determination of their paragenesis, along with the examination of coexisting minerals for determining their physio-chemical conditions of formation. Appendices contain the data necessary to identify approximately 100 of the more common ore minerals and those frequently encountered by the professional scientist.

This book offers a guide to the microscopic study of metallic ores with reflected light. It combines a rigorous approach with an attractive and easy-to-follow format, using high-quality calibrated photomicrographs to illustrate the use of color for ore identification. The ore identification methodology is updated with systematic color analysis and the application of new multispectral reflectance datasets, which offer an efficient tool for automated ore characterization. In addition, the first volume of this two-part work discusses the essential gangue minerals. Readers will gain familiarity with the method as they follow its application to over 200 selected minerals, comprising the most important ore (≈150) and gangue (≈50) minerals, which are described in the text. Each entry includes an explanatory text with corresponding color photomicrographs for each of the most common microscope settings, preceded by a table summarizing the ore’s main properties, and followed by spectral information in the visible and near-infrared ranges (specular reflectance values from 370 to 1000 nm). Some uncommon, strategic ores, e.g. columbotantalite (“coltan”) and monazite, receive particular attention or are described for the first time with reflected light. Lastly, the book presents a learning strategy for beginners and students. The approach is essentially practical, focusing on the development of observation skills, including self-checking through proposed practical tasks. In addition, the traditional use of determinative tables is critically reviewed and updated. This book is part of a two-volume work. The second volume focuses on intergrowths/textural analysis and interpretation, as well as computer-vision-based automation and applications to ore processing/geometallurgy. The intended audience includes professionals and engineers dealing with mineral resources, as well as postgraduate students. The book also provides lifelong learning support for freelancers and a valuable reference resource for practical university teaching.