Atlas of Minerals and Igneous and Metamorphic Rocks in Thin-Section

by Alessandro Da Mommio, Victoria Pease

Overview

The Atlas of Minerals and Igneous and Metamorphic Rocks in Thin-Section provides the geology student and geoscientist with a stunning new color atlas of the main rock-forming minerals and igneous and metamorphic rocks in thin-section. It showcases minerals in various settings and degrees of alteration and preservation to allow users to best identify their own specimens in practice. Chapter 1 highlights the distinctive characteristics used to identify different minerals. Building on this base, following chapters describe rock textures and types, summarizing their petrogenesis within a plate tectonic framework. This book also includes insights into how additional information from petrographic thin-sections can be obtained using modern analytical methods to increase our understanding of geological processes. The Atlas is an indispensable reference textbook for all facilities that use a petrographic microscope, for professional geoscientists, and as an aid for any student studying minerals and rocks.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781009112055
Publisher:	Cambridge University Press
Publication date:	05/29/2025
Pages:	411
Product dimensions:	8.46(w) x 10.91(h) x 0.91(d)

About the Author

Alessandro Da Mommio completed his PhD in geology at the University of Milan in 2015. With a long-standing expertise in petrography since his undergraduate studies, he has developed a distinguished website dedicated to his specialty: the petrography of minerals and rocks. In 2014, one of his images secured second place in the Nikon Small World Photomicrography Competition. He's currently teaching science and mathematics.

Victoria Pease is Professor of Tectonics and Magmatism at Stockholm University. Her research focuses on Arctic tectonics. She has been teaching the next generation of geologists for more than 20 years. She sits on a number of international scientific committees and is Chief Editor of Precambrian Research. Victoria is co-author (with Hugh Rollinson) of the reference textbook Using Geochemical Data: To Understand Geological Processes, Second Edition (2021, Cambridge University Press).

Table of Contents

Preface; List of information boxes; List of application highlights; 1. Rock-forming minerals; 2. Igneous rocks; 3. Metamorphic rocks – their textures and fabrics; Index.

Editorial Reviews

‘Atlas of Minerals and Igneous and Metamorphic Rocks in Thin-Section by A. Da Mommio and V. Pease is a well-researched and easy-to-use reference. Fundamental characteristics of minerals and rocks in thin-section are combined with high-quality images that will be useful to beginners and experts alike. Thin sections are the windows into igneous and metamorphic processes, and this atlas will become an essential component of the petrologist’s toolbox.’ Wendy Bohrson, Colorado School of Mines

‘The atlas contains a wealth of spectacular color photomicrographs that beautifully illustrate the essential information about minerals and rocks and provide a visual basis for identifying their textures and fabrics. Information boxes explain key aspects of mineralogy and petrology in greater detail, and application boxes provide examples of advanced techniques and broader interpretations of rock and mineral data. An indispensable reference for all geoscientists.’ Carol D. Frost, University of Wyoming

‘Observing rocks and minerals through a petrological microscope offers a captivating experience that continues to engage both students and researchers. While each thin section reveals a unique glimpse into the origin and formation of Earth's building blocks, a systematic approach is essential to unravel this information. Atlas of Minerals and Igneous and Metamorphic Rocks in Thin Section by Alessandro Da Mommio and Victoria Pease introduces the remarkable optical shifts that occur when light rays of different wavelengths pass through crystal structures. The book explores the optical properties of common minerals found in igneous and metamorphic rocks, along with their microscopic textural relationships, enhanced by numerous beautiful colour images. It will serve as a valuable resource for those beginning their studies in petrology.’ Sally A. Gibson, University of Cambridge

‘This book is the unmistakable descendent of the classic mineralogy text of Deer, Howie, and Zussman but is richly illustrated with beautiful photomicrographs of the minerals themselves. Collectors, students and professionals will all enjoy and benefit from it.’ Robert J. Stern, University of Texas at Dallas

From the Publisher