Mineralogy / Минералогия

The present textbook has been prepared in compliance with the course in mineralogy set by the university curriculum. The first part contains a traditional crystallochemical characterization of minerals. Information on the types of crystalline structure and structural motifs of minerals has been supplemented by a discussion of polymorphic modifications and polytypes. A special section dealing with structural imperfections (defects) has also been introduced. Phenomena pertaining to isomorphism, resolution of solid solutions have received due prominence together with the role of water in the composition of minerals. The graphical representation of the chemical composition of minerals and the calculation of crystallochemical formulae have been illustrated. The description of physical properties is discussed in terms of their nature, the methods of their analysis and the importance for diagnostic purposes, in prospecting, the enrichment of ores, technology, etc. <...>