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9780190203672

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A unique combination of historical narrative (Rickard includes numerous informative anecdotes) and scientific treatise, the book includes informative notes at the end of each chapter. The accessible prose makes the book invaluable for scientists and nonscientists alike. Essential. M. E. McCallum, CHOICE David Rickard has pulled off a remarkable trick by writing a book on mineralogy and geochemistry that will entertain and interest an unusually wide range of readers. ... David Rickard's several decades' worth of original research experience and the associated knowledge he has accumulated are condensed in this highly entertaining and very informative book. I recommend it to anyone interested in geochemistry, in mineralogy, and in science generally. Mihaly Posfai, Elements Rickard's book is an essential corrective to pyrite's fool's-gold reputation. Jonathon Keats, New Scientist

In a remarkable feat of alchemy, David Rickard has transformed a common mineral into literary gold. Science, poetry, history, and folklore blend in this tale of pyrite -- a magical substance that illuminates our planet's co-evolving geosphere and biosphere. --Robert M. Hazen, Carnegie Institution for Science and author of The Story of Earth. Popular books about minerals containing more than pretty pictures are rare, so this is a welcome addition. It may seem strange to focus on just one mineral but pyrite more than justifies this distinction by its importance historically and culturally, as well as in key areas of science and technology. Rich in detail and written in an engaging style, this book is a rare example of a work that successfully bridges the gap between the expert mineralogist and lay person or beginning student. It has located and exploited a rich vein of 'fool's gold.' --David J. Vaughan, Professor of Mineralogy, University of Manchester The author is a professed expert in the field of sulfur compounds, and that knowledge comes through in every aspect of the book. He makes a strong case for pyrite being one of the most central compounds to human history as well as to the history of our planet... A highly instructive book delivered by a foremost expert in the field. Those interested in inorganic chemistry's influence on the history of the earth and the environment are sure to enjoy this book. - LIBRARY JOURNAL

Rickard's book is an essential corrective to pyrite's fool's-gold reputation. New Scientist, Jonathon Keats

Author Information

David Rickard is Emeritus Professor at Cardiff University. His writings have appeared in numerous journals, including Chemical Geology, Geochemica Et Cosmochimica Acta, and Earth and Planetary Science.

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