For students of geology, this book offers a systematic overview of uranium and thorium minerals, which are known for their intense ultraviolet fluorescence and are critically important as our source of nuclear energy. Learn about the geochemical conditions that produce significant ore deposits and view more than 600 maps, structure diagrams, colour photos, and electron micrographs. A web link allows readers to view the more than 130 crystal structures in three dimensions for a richer appreciation of their details. The minerals are arranged to emphasize how they fit into chemical groups, and a thorough description is provided for each mineral. Major occurrences of interest to mineral collectors are arranged geographically, with maps showing the important deposits in uranium-producing countries. With the resurgence of interest in nuclear power, this book will be invaluable to mineral collectors and exploration geologists as well as to nuclear scientists and engineers interested in radioactive deposits. AUTHOR: Robert J. Lauf holds a PhD in metallurgical engineering, and has conducted scientific research in fields ranging from nuclear fuel to microwave processing and biomineralisation. He has been granted over 40 US patents, and has written 14 books on mineralogy for the collector. SELLING POINTS: ? Comprehensive treatment of radioactive minerals?their chemistry, structure, classification, properties, and occurrences ? Detailed entries, maps of uranium resources, and 130 crystal structures viewable in 3-D ? Uranium minerals are not only beautiful, but are a critical energy resource as well 656 colour images
