In this concise, clear and handy–sized volume, aimed at the introductory undergraduate level, these highly respected and successful authors explain to the reader, with the help of 180 superb colour photomicrographs, how to observe, describe and identify thin section samples of rocks and minerals using the polarizing microscope.

The book highlights important diagnostic features of minerals and deals with all rock types – igneous, sedimentary and metamorphic – with equal empahsis and authority, giving students the knowledge and confidence to begin to identify specimens for theselves. Each photograph has been specially prepared for the book and has been reproduced in a generous size and to the highest quality.

In addition to its value to students and instructors in geology, geography, civil engineering and materials sicence, the book stands on its own as a beautiful collection of photomicrographs and a permanent source of reference and fascination for all those interested in the nature and science of the world of rocks and minerals.

• Focuses on Fundamental Skills at the introductory level– adoptable text.
  
• Covers diagnostic features of minerals and all rock types – igneous, sedimentary and metamorphic.
  
• Provides 180 large colour photomicrographs of the highest quality.
  
• Handy size volume.

The colour atlas is a real beginner's guide which shows the perfect examples of various rocks in thin section and the more popular minerals. The section on feldspars is ok, but could go into more detail - it only shows sanidine, microcline and plagioclase for some odd reason.

As it result this book lay unused for three years and was a sheer waste. Spend your loans on other books by MacKenzie - but not this one!

A visual aid to studying minerals in thin section, 2008-05-21
I am currently studying geology through the Open University, and was really struggling to get my head around what minerals I was actually trying to identify. It's hard to read a description of a mineral and then try to interpret it visually. This book has come to the rescue and has been invaluable to me. Nice book and pictures are great.

Good book for beginners or out-of-practice seasoned pros., 2004-03-04
I was in two minds about buying this book after reading the previous reviews. However, I am very happy with the purchase.

The book is great for students new to the study of rocks in thin section. It covers all of the most important rock-forming minerals and then introduces the rocks that they are most commonly found in. There are also sections covering most of the most common and important textures. The accompanying text is simple and easy to understand and does not become bogged down with elaborate language or over-complication.

All in all, a good low-cost option for 1st and 2nd year students who take fright at the price of Mackenzie's Atlases.

Brilliant for 1st years, but perhaps not a long-term investment?, 2008-03-03
I'm a first year Earth Sciences student and found this book invaluable, as a revision guide but also to clear up anything I was unsure on.

The photographs are excellent and the text well-written.

I do appreciate, however, that for some it may be a bit basic: I don't really see myself using this much beyond this first year of my degree scheme.

In short, great for a better basic understading, but not a great long-term investment... I borrowed mine from the uni library - perhaps a better idea.

• An Introduction to Geological Structures and Maps
• The Penguin Dictionary of Geology (Penguin Reference Books)
• Invertebrate Palaeontology and Evolution
• Basic Geological Mapping (Geological Field Guide)
• Understanding Earth