Covering theory and practice, this wide-ranging introductory textbook covers the main optical properties of rock-forming minerals that can be recognized under the polarizing microscope. The authors elucidate the basic elements of microscopy, the theory of light transmission through translucent minerals, and the properties of light reflected from opaque minerals. They discuss properties of the main silicate and non-silicate minerals, both translucent and opaque and how the optical properties may be used to identify a mineral. The book features many diagrams, summary tables, and four pages of color illustrations, making it an ideal textbook as well as an authoritative reference.