🕯️ Occult Philosophy

Collector's Guide to the Pyroxene Group

✍️ Lauf, Robert J
Reader Score
4.6
(1 review)
$19.99
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📚 WHAT THE BOOK IS ABOUT

This meticulously crafted volume delves into the captivating world of pyroxene minerals, showcasing their diverse forms and vibrant hues through over 115 stunning color photographs. Beyond their aesthetic appeal, discover their pivotal role as rock-forming constituents and their significance in the gem trade, featuring varieties like diopside, spodumene (including kunzite and hiddenite), and jadeite. The author provides a comprehensive overview of their geological origins and chemical makeup, alongside individual profiles for each species. An indispensable guide for any serious mineral enthusiast.

🕯️
Occult Philosophy
🏛 Schiffer Publishing 📅 2009 📖 96 pages 📔 Paperback ISBN: 9780764334047
Fun Fact
Robert Lauf's guide excels in presenting the pyroxene group with unparalleled visual richness and clear, authoritative text. It beautifully bridges the gap between scientific mineralogy and the collector's aesthetic appreciation, making it an indispensable resource. While its depth might be too specific for the casual rockhound, serious mineral enthusiasts and gemologists will find it an essential, meticulously researched addition to their library, solidifying its place as a definitive reference.

📝 Description: Collector's Guide to the Pyroxene Group

Over 115 striking color photos display pyroxene group minerals in all their forms and colors. This group of rock-forming minerals is best known to collectors through well-formed diopside crystals from many localities, including in Canada, the northeastern United States, the Alpine regions of Europe, and through the gem-quality spodumene found in pegmatites from California to Pakistan. Spectacular recent finds of diopside in Pakistan, hedenbergite at Dal'negorsk, Russia, and aegirine in Malawi have added to the interest in this mineral group. Several pyroxene species are important in the gem trade, including colored varieties of spodumene (kunzite and hiddenite), green "chrome" diopside, and jadeite, one of the two true jade minerals. The informative text provides an introduction to their formation and geochemistry and a detailed entry for each mineral, including color reference photos. This book is essential for every mineral collector.

💎 Expert review

“
💎
Esoterica Books editorial team
Occult literature desk
Lauf’s meticulous craftsmanship shines through in this detailed exploration of pyroxene minerals, making it a valuable reference for dedicated collectors and geologists alike. The inclusion of over 115 color photographs significantly enhances the educational value, allowing readers to appreciate diverse forms and vibrant hues with clarity. However, this guide may not suit casual browsers seeking light reading or those uninterested in geological origins and chemical compositions. It is strictly aimed at individuals who view mineral collecting as a serious pursuit requiring technical depth rather than just aesthetic enjoyment.
✓ EDITOR'S REVIEW

📖 Why choose it

📖

Why this book is worth reading

This book is an indispensable resource for serious mineral enthusiasts and gemologists who seek to understand the pyroxene family beyond mere surface aesthetics. Readers will gain profound insight into the geological foundations and chemical makeup of varieties like diopside, spodumene, and jadeite through over 115 stunning color photographs. It appeals to those who appreciate both the scientific rigor of rock-forming constituents and the vibrant hues that make these stones prized in the gem trade. By offering individual profiles for each species, the text provides a comprehensive overview that satisfies the intellectual curiosity of collectors while celebrating the hidden brilliance of these geological marvels.

⭐ Reader reviews

The starting rating comes from the team Esoterica Books —
⭐ Esoterica editorial review Editorial rating 4.6/5
★★★★★
If you possess an ardent fascination for Earth's crystalline treasures, whether a seasoned collector or an aspiring enthusiast, this book is crafted for you. It offers profound insights and visual delights that will deepen your appreciation for the complex beauty of geological formations.

Reader rating

4.6
Based on 1 reviews
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Esoterica Books editorial team

Lauf’s meticulous craftsmanship shines through in this detailed exploration of pyroxene minerals, making it a valuable reference for dedicated collectors and geologists alike. The inclusion of over 115 color photographs significantly enhances the educational value, allowing readers to appreciate diverse forms and vibrant hues with clarity. However, this guide may not suit casual browsers seeking light reading or those uninterested in geological origins and chemical compositions. It is strictly aimed at individuals who view mineral collecting as a serious pursuit requiring technical depth rather than just aesthetic enjoyment.

❓ Frequently asked questions

While comprehensive, its detailed entries and foundational explanations make it accessible. Beginners will find the visual aids and introductory text invaluable for understanding the pyroxene family, though its depth will also satisfy seasoned collectors.
The book offers detailed profiles for key pyroxene species, including those most significant to collectors and the gem trade. While not an exhaustive compendium of every obscure variant, it thoroughly addresses the major and most visually striking members of the group.

📖 Who should read this

If you possess an ardent fascination for Earth's crystalline treasures, whether a seasoned collector or an aspiring enthusiast, this book is crafted for you. It offers profound insights and visual delights that will deepen your appreciation for the complex beauty of geological formations.

🎯 Key themes and symbolism

Visual Splendor of Minerals

This guide emphasizes the sheer beauty of pyroxene minerals, presenting a rich visual feast of over one hundred color photographs. Readers can explore the myriad shapes, crystal structures, and dazzling spectrum of shades that characterize this important geological family, making identification and appreciation effortless for both novice and expert.

Gemstone Significance

Delve into the fascinating intersection of geology and luxury as the book explores pyroxene's crucial role in the world of precious stones. It highlights celebrated gem varieties like the vibrant kunzite and hiddenite (from spodumene), rich chrome diopside, and the revered jadeite, detailing their origins, characteristics, and market value.

Geological Foundations

Beyond surface beauty, the book provides a robust scientific foundation, explaining the intricate processes behind pyroxene mineral formation and their unique geochemical properties. Understand their fundamental contribution to Earth's crust as key rock-forming components, offering insight into planetary geological dynamics and mineral distribution.

📜 Historical context

This volume stands firmly within the tradition of comprehensive mineralogical guides, following in the footsteps of classic texts that document Earth's geological bounty. It updates this lineage by incorporating spectacular recent discoveries and detailed photographic documentation, reflecting contemporary advancements in mineral identification and appreciation, especially regarding the pyroxene group's diverse global occurrences.

📚 Glossary

Pyroxene Group
Spodumene
Jadeite

📔 Questions to reflect on

  1. What aspects of mineral formation, as described in this book, most intrigue your understanding of Earth's processes?
  2. Which pyroxene mineral, showcased for its beauty or rarity, do you feel most drawn to, and why?
  3. How does learning about the geological and gemological significance of these minerals alter your perception of common rocks or jewelry?

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