Fundamentals of Laboratory Practices in Mineralogy and Petrology

Identification and description of minerals and rocks starts with consideration of field scenarios followed by hand specimens, preferably under laboratory conditions after field excursions. The information contained in this concise handbook is a package for concepts and essential practical skills that will enable students to provide a detailed follow-up after such excursions. Procedures for identification and description of typical minerals and rocks, as seen in hand specimens, have been provided as a guide on anticipated results. Illustrations for the field occurrences have also been given for the student to visualize field realities that also exist elsewhere. Detailed properties for selected minerals have been provided for comparison with the results that will have been obtained. The comparison will act as a yardstick for the reader to ascertain correctness of the descriptions done and subsequently serve as a confidence builder. The handbook serves for course units that require knowledge on physical properties in mineralogy and petrology. The is invaluable material for students pursuing Certificate, Diploma and Bachelor of Science degree and Artisanal & Small-Scale Miners (ASMs).