""Rocks and Rock Minerals"" is an authoritative manual designed for the identification and classification of rocks, focusing on their macroscopic characteristics. Written by renowned geologists Louis V. Pirsson and Adolph Knopf, this foundational work provides a systematic introduction to the science of lithology. The text meticulously categorizes the three primary classes of rocks-igneous, sedimentary, and metamorphic-detailing their chemical composition, physical properties, and the geological processes responsible for their formation.
Designed as both a comprehensive textbook for students and a practical guide for engineers, miners, and field geologists, the work emphasizes the study of minerals as they appear to the naked eye or under a simple magnifier. It offers detailed descriptions of the most common rock-making minerals, providing clear criteria for their recognition in various environments. By bridging the gap between theoretical mineralogy and practical geology, this book remains a significant resource for understanding the materials that compose the Earth's crust.
The clear, methodical approach to the structural features of rocks makes it an invaluable reference for those studying the Earth's physical history and composition. This classic text serves as a testament to early 20th-century geological scholarship, offering enduring insights into the complex world of mineralogy and petrography.
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