This textbook presents the fundamental concepts and application of optical mineralogy in a very simple, systematic, and comprehensive way. The book is organized into 2 parts: Part I deals with the theory and techniques, and Part II provides a description of the optical properties of common minerals. The book is written in a lucid manner so that students are able to understand the realization behind the concepts in optics and the methods employed to elicit information about the interior of mineral crystals. All the subject fundamentals and related derivations are discussed in an easy and comprehensive way to make the students strong in the basics of optical mineralogy. The key features lie in the illustrations, examples, and questions at the end of each chapter to provide students with practical usage insights into optical mineralogy. The book benefits students who are taking introductory courses in optics to characterize rock minerals.

This textbook presents the fundamental concepts and application of optical mineralogy in a very simple, systematic, and comprehensive way. The book is organized into 2 parts: Part I deals with the theory and techniques, and Part II provides a description of the optical properties of common minerals. The book is written in a lucid manner so that students are able to understand the realization behind the concepts in optics and the methods employed to elicit information about the interior of mineral crystals. All the subject fundamentals and related derivations are discussed in an easy and comprehensive way to make the students strong in the basics of optical mineralogy. The key features lie in the illustrations, examples, and questions at the end of each chapter to provide students with practical usage insights into optical mineralogy. The book benefits students who are taking introductory courses in optics to characterize rock minerals.