Based on the title provided, you are referring to the seminal work . While there are various editions (most notably the 4th edition published in 1977), the text remains a foundational reference for students and professionals in geology, mineralogy, and materials science.
Furthermore, the text bridged the gap between optical mineralogy and descriptive petrology. Once a student identified a mineral, Kerr provided context regarding that mineral’s common paragenesis—where it is found, what it associates with, and its economic importance. This contextualization prevented optical mineralogy from being an isolated academic exercise, instead presenting it as a vital tool for understanding crustal processes and ore deposits Optical Mineralogy Paul F Kerr.pdf
Would you like to me add or modify anything? "Optical Mineralogy" by Paul F
Most students fail optical mineralogy exams because they cannot obtain a flash figure or determine sign of elongation. Kerr’s diagrams are archaic but accurate. Trace his ray-path diagrams with a pencil. Practice walking through the steps: Furthermore, the text bridged the gap between optical
Below is a comprehensive write-up covering the scope, structure, and key concepts presented in Kerr’s Optical Mineralogy .
Kerr’s text is famous for its "hands-on" diagrams of the Leitz and Zeiss microscopes of the era. For users of the PDF, these diagrams remain invaluable because the fundamental mechanics of the substage condenser, polarizer, analyzer, and Bertrand lens have not changed in 50 years.
