Review of Handbook of Mineralogy. III. Halides, Hydroxides, Oxides.

From the Mineralogical Record (1998) 29, 505.

by Pete J. Dunn, Smithsonian Institution.

The Handbook of Mineralogy, Volume III, is superb. This great work is already well established as the definitive reference work in mineralogy, and this is the third volume of the five projected. The first volume, on elements, sulfides and sulfosalts, was published in 1990 and reviewed in the Mineralogical Record, 22, 59-60. The second volume, on silica and silicate minerals, was published in 1995 in two books, and reviewed in the Mineralogical Record, 26, 563.

Volume III is devoted to halides, hydroxides and oxides, and presents the data in the order of: crystal data, physical properties, optical properties, cell data, X-ray data, chemistry, occurrence (geological), association, distribution, name, type material and references. The very well written introduction eases the reader into a species page, explains the approach of the authors, and does not presume a familiarity with the previous volumes. This is a stand-alone book as well as part of a set.

Careful reviews of many selected entries turned up no typographical errors (or any other kind of errors) and much in the way of very interesting new knowledge. This volume, like those that preceded it, is a valuable tome. The collector will delight in its listings of localities for each species, and probably will be surprised at how much new information is presented. The mineralogist will find needed data, and, most importantly, will treasure the reference sections current through 1996, and including some new minerals present or abstracted in the American Mineralogist in 1997. This careful ingredient, the provision of carefully chosen, up-to-date references, too often treated cavalierly, carelessly, or worse in some compendia, is a jewel-like feature of the Handbook.

Two aspects of this work stand out. The first is the very obvious diligence of the writers in being extremely careful. Again and again, one sees careful work; one is aware that this is a compilation done with caution, a very high degree of professionalism and intimate teamwork. It is not sloppy in any way at all. The reader has a sense that this work was put together with much respect for the concept of "doing things right." The work is internally consistent and wholly consistent with the preceding volumes of the Handbook. Those who own the preceding volumes will see no changes; it fits like a glove with its brethren.

The second outstanding aspect of this work is the very high quality of its publication. The book is comfortable to hold. The pages are stark white and durable, and any print-through is truly minimal and not at all distracting. The book lies flat when open, is sturdily bound, and has a real essence of quality. When I opened the package and removed this book, I had a friend in hand, one I want to keep forever.