This 1973 comprehensive catalogue examines the many presences and absences found within the characteristics of different types of quartz grain sand. The focal point of this work is the numerous micrographs, selected specifically for their ability to demonstrate the many variations in the surface textures of quartz grain sand.

Mahaney presents methods of using electron microscopy developed in the past 25 years, and discusses their values in the interpretation of sedimentary environments, the problems inherent in these methods, case studies and future possibilities for research.