People have been fascinated by minerals since prehistory. The attractions lies in their colors, their beautiful crystal formations, the discoveries of their uses, and the metals that can be obtained from them. Minerals receive attention from a wide variety of people - mining executives, collectors, prospectors, and scientists unraveling their molecular structure and origins. However, for someone new to mineralogy, the subject can appear to be overwhelmingly complex. In a clear and logical manner, this book introduces the essence of mineralogy. It begins with the basic chemistry of minerals...