One of the standout features of "Optical Mineralogy" is its comprehensive coverage of mineral optics. Kerr provides detailed descriptions of the optical properties of a wide range of minerals, including their refractive indices, birefringence, and dispersion. The book also covers advanced topics, such as the use of the polarizing microscope, immersion techniques, and the identification of minerals using optical properties.
A legitimate, free PDF of the full text is not currently available for public access. Libraries hold physical copies of the 1977 edition in print. The ISBN for the fourth edition is (also 9780070342187). A search for a PDF is the most direct route to potentially find a copy, but results often lead to lecture notes, references, or library catalogs rather than the complete work. For legal and ethical access, you should check your university's physical and digital library collections. Optical Mineralogy Paul F Kerr.pdf
Paul F. Kerr’s "Optical Mineralogy" is a foundational textbook,, transitioning from Austin F. Rogers’ earlier work to provide a comprehensive guide on identifying minerals through a petrographic microscope. The text, often cited in its 3rd or 4th editions, breaks down complex crystal optics into practical laboratory applications, including the study of isotropic vs. anisotropic minerals and the use of polarized light. For a deeper look at the book's content, review the digitized version at GeoKniga . OPTICAL MINERALOGY One of the standout features of "Optical Mineralogy"
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. A legitimate, free PDF of the full text
Perhaps the most coveted section in the is the series of laboratory exercises at the back. These practice "unknowns" have been used to train geologists for generations. They walk the user through analyzing a virtual thin section step-by-step.