Optical mineralogy is a technique used to identify and analyze minerals using their optical properties. It involves the study of the interaction between light and minerals, which provides valuable information about their composition, structure, and properties. Optical mineralogy is an essential tool for geologists, as it allows them to identify minerals, understand their relationships, and reconstruct the geological history of an area.
Mineralogical Society of America. (1958). Paul F. Kerr: Award Recipient.
Optical Mineralogy By Paul F. Kerr 3rd Edition 1959 Geology Mining
To understand the book, one must first appreciate the man behind it. Paul Francis Kerr was a highly influential American mineralogist whose career spanned several decades and left an indelible mark on the field. Optical Mineralogy Paul F Kerr.pdf
Rock-forming mineral descriptions
Kerr was not just a theoretician; he was an experimentalist. He authored the first edition of Optical Mineralogy in 1943, with subsequent editions released in 1959 and 1977. The third edition (published by McGraw-Hill) remains the gold standard. His approach was distinctly practical—lenses, stage techniques, and interference figures were described with the clarity of a master teacher who had spent thousands of hours at the microscope.
Some of Kerr's notable contributions to optical mineralogy include: Optical mineralogy is a technique used to identify
This public link is valid for 7 days and shares a thread, including any personal information you added. This link or copies made by others cannot be deleted. If you share with third parties, their policies apply. Can’t copy the link right now. Try again later. Optical Mineralogy Kerr
The study of optical mineralogy dates back to the 19th century, when geologists first began to use microscopes to study minerals. Over the years, the field has evolved, and new techniques have been developed to analyze minerals using optical properties. One of the most significant milestones in the history of optical mineralogy was the publication of Paul F. Kerr's book, "Optical Mineralogy," which became a standard reference for geologists worldwide.
Use the PDF as a temporary reference, but purchase a used hardcover if you intend to keep it. The physical book lies flat on the lab bench—a PDF on a laptop does not survive immersion in immersion oil or rock dust. Mineralogical Society of America
Optical Mineralogy by Paul F. Kerr is a foundational textbook, first published in 1959, that provides a systematic approach to identifying minerals using a polarizing microscope. It covers key optical properties—including isotropic/anisotropic behavior, interference colors, and pleochroism—while detailing the identification of rock-forming minerals. The text remains relevant for its clear, hand-drawn diagrams and detailed explanations of petrographic techniques. You can search for legally available digital versions through university libraries and academic archives. Share public link
Optical Mineralogy by Paul F. Kerr (originally Rogers and Kerr) is a seminal textbook providing a comprehensive guide to identifying minerals through polarized light microscopy. The text is renowned for its practical application, featuring detailed mineral descriptions, photomicrographs, and updated optical property diagrams, particularly in the 3rd (1959) and 4th (1977) editions. For a digital copy, visit Internet Archive Cambridge University Press & Assessment