Robert J. Lauf Book order

The amphibole group is extremely important, widespread, and beautiful, with a structure that can accommodate a bewildering variety of compositions and potentially hundreds of unique specimens. This timely volume will allow mineral collectors to understand how the amphiboles are organized and named, and to relate obsolete names to currently accepted ones. Over 140 full-color crystal images help the reader visualize the important structural features that define amphiboles and control their physical properties. This reference also provides information that collectors need to know to better understand the group and to learn what the specimens teach us about geological processes. Structural chemistry and taxonomy of the group is explored as well as formation and geochemistry, explaining the kinds of environments where amphiboles are formed. An entry for each mineral series provides locality information along with identification photos wherever possible, and examples that one might expect to find in the varied locales.

The zeolite group is recognized for its structural complexity and significant industrial applications, especially due to its cation-exchanging properties. The book features numerous diagrams that illustrate various framework types and includes over 200 photographs showcasing these minerals in their geological settings. It discusses the structural chemistry, taxonomy, and formation environments of zeolites, along with detailed entries for each mineral series, providing locality information and color images for collectors. An extensive bibliography is included for further exploration of the subject.

Featuring over 100 vibrant photographs, this book explores the fascinating world of feldspar minerals, which constitute nearly sixty percent of the Earth's crust. It delves into their geological context, formation processes, and complex structures that result in stunning crystals and colors. The text covers the chemistry and taxonomy of feldspars, their geochemical environments, and includes detailed entries for each mineral with locality information. Collectors will appreciate the visual examples and the extensive bibliography for further exploration.

Focusing on the diverse color varieties of garnet, this book serves as a comprehensive guide for mineral collectors and gem enthusiasts. It features over 120 color photographs showcasing garnets in their geological settings, while detailing their formation, chemistry, and the unique conditions that yield vibrant crystals. Each mineral entry includes locality information and visual examples of quality specimens, enhancing the collector's knowledge. Additionally, an extensive bibliography supports further exploration of this fascinating mineral group.

Quartz is prized by both mineral collectors and lapidary artists. Over 130 vivid photographs of these beautiful minerals are presented to show each mineral in its geological context. Superb examples are found in diverse geological settings from pegmatites to Alpine clefts and hydrothermal veins. The silica minerals are chemically simple, yet structurally complicated. Several high temperature and high pressure polymorphs are known. In addition to the polymorphs of silica, this book treats related minerals, including: lechatelierite, opal, and two natural clathrates, chibaite and melanophlogite. After a brief introduction, the general treatment explains the chemistry and taxonomy of the group. A section on their formation and geochemistry describes the kinds of environments where these minerals are formed. Then, entries for each mineral provide locality information and full-color photos so that collectors can see what good specimens look like and which minerals one might expect to find in association with them. An extensive bibliography is also provided.

Focusing on the colorful tourmaline group, this book appeals to mineral collectors and gemologists alike. It features over 120 high-quality photographs showcasing tourmalines in their geological environments, from pegmatites to schists. The text delves into the chemistry and taxonomy of tourmalines, detailing their formation and localities. Each mineral entry includes vivid images to help collectors identify quality specimens and associated minerals. An extensive bibliography is also provided for further exploration, making it essential for enthusiasts in the field.

Over 140 color photos, diagrams, and text reveal the crystal structures, habits, names, and changing family relationships of silicate crystals. This thorough guide provides an introduction to crystallography, the current classification of silicate structures, and reviews orthosilicates, disilicates, chain silicates, sheet silicates, and framework silicates. Explore different ways the silicate tetrahedron can be arranged and great diversity of structures that result. Crystal structure is presented with drawings of ideal crystal forms and photographs of real crystals. In this way, mineral collectors can better understand the interplay between atomic arrangements and external habits, and ultimately develop an eye for recognizing crystal symmetry. This book is a must for all serious collectors of minerals.

Beryl in its many color varieties is a favorite of both mineral collectors and gemologists. Superb examples are found at many locales worldwide, mainly in pegmatites and schists. Other members of the group are prized by species collectors and micromount enthusiasts. This book explains how beryl is formed and the unique conditions that create fine aquamarines and emeralds. After a brief introduction, the general treatment begins with an explanation of the chemistry and taxonomy of the group. A section on their formation and geochemistry explains the kinds of environments where beryls are formed. Detailed entries for each mineral provide locality information and full-color photos so that collectors can see what good specimens look like and which minerals one might expect to find in association with them. An extensive bibliography is provided for further study. Over 100 photographs of these beautiful minerals show each species in its geological context.

Over 115 color photos display pyroxene group minerals in all their forms and colors. The informative text provides an introduction to their chemistry and taxonomy, formation and geochemistry. A detailed entry for each mineral includes color reference photos. This book is essential for every mineral collector.

Focusing on the mineral Titania and its variants, this book showcases over 100 color photos of rutile, anatase, and brookite. It offers an in-depth exploration of classic localities and mineralogical phenomena such as oriented growth and twinning. The informative text delves into the structures, phase relations, formation, and geochemistry of these minerals, making it a valuable resource for collectors and enthusiasts interested in the diverse environments where these minerals are found.