CONTENTS: The identification of ore minerals requires a trained eye that can recognise the subtle colour differences between minerals. Training students (and professionals) in this skill has traditionally been difficult - partly because of a lack of a colour guide to the characteristic optical properties and textures of ore minerals and ore-associations. One particular problem is that the same mineral can appear to be optically quite different in different associations.
The CD provides over 400 full colour photomicrographs of the major ore-forming associations and opaque minerals in non-mineralized rocks. The text describes typical examples of each material from many classical localities throughout the world. For each association there is a listing of the major (and important minor) primary ore minerals, alteration products and gangue, typical textures, a brief discussion of the geology of the association and a list of references.
A range of menu options provide access to this information via their association, country, location, mineral name, mineralogy or individual plate descriptions.

The Atlas can be previewed in its entirety at the SME website. Anybody wishing to purchase a copy of the CD by Credit Card can do so by using the PayPal button below. For further information regarding the CD please contact Rob Ixer or Paul Duller (Biography and email).