В монографии всесторонне освещаются магматические породы и связанные с ними контактово-метасоматические и гидротермальные образования. Выделены различные генетические типы разновозрастных скарнов, дана их минералого-геохимическая характеристика, показаны физико-химические условия формирования. Охарактеризованы железорудное, редкометальное и полиметаллическое оруденения и положение их в скарновом процессе.
Приводятся данные распределения золота в различных породах и минералах Гавасая.
Книга рассчитана на минералогов, геохимиков, геологов, изучающих рудные месторождения.

Secondary alteration of rocks and their contained minerals is common in nature. Alteration reflects the interaction of fluid, typically dominated by water, with rock at temperatures that range from warm (< 100°C) to hot (>500°C). For geologists who wish to study the primary mineralogy and chemistry of rocks, alteration is a nuisance to be avoided. Alteration mineralogy, however, documents the post-formation history of the rock, information that has practical implications. In particular, alteration is ubiquitous in and around hydrothermal mineral deposits. The distribution and mineralogy of this alteration relates to the hydrothermal environment, and hence, the type of mineral deposit. More importantly for mineral exploration, hydrothermal alteration around mineral deposits commonly forms halos that provide a target which is much larger than the deposit itself. The mineralogy and in some environments the chemical composition of the alteration provide an indication of the proximity of mineralization, or in the ideal case, a vector towards mineralization. Interpretation of alteration is, therefore, a routine part of exploration for hydrothermal mineral deposits. Similarly, as a product of geothermal activity, the mineralogy of hydrothermal alteration provides information on reservoir and fluid characteristics, and the evolution of the geothermal system. These data are used in conjunction with other information to evaluate potential geothermal resources.