Archaeomineralogy

• and History.- Properties of Minerals.- Exploitation of Mineral and Rock Raw Materials.- Lithic Materials.- Gemstones Seal Stones and Ceremonial Stones.- Soft Stones and Other Carvable Materials.- Metals and Related Minerals and Ores.- Ceramic Raw Materials.- Pigments and Colorants.- Abrasives Salt Shells and Miscellaneous Geologic Raw Materials.- Building, Monumental, and Statuary Materials.

From the reviews: Praise for George R. Rapp's Archaeomineralogy Geoscientist "The text is crammed full of useful information, is well-balanced using both new and Old World examples of the archaeomaterials described. It also provides a broad, but of necessity, all too brief overview of the geological raw materials used in antiquity." Mineralium Deposita "The book provides much interesting discussion of how particular names came to be employed by archaeologists working in different regions of the world. Overall, I found that the book had much to offer for any geologist or archaeologist interested in minerals and rocks and how they have been used in the past." The Holocene "This is a gem of a book, it's strength is that it is encyclopedic in content, if not in layout, draws on a wealth of field experience and almost every sentence contains a nugget of information" Geological Magazine "The current volume aims to provide a systematic overview of minerals and rocks that have been used from prehistoric times though to the 17th Century. It is a very readable well-written overview of the subject. In addition to the extensive bibliography there is also a very useful glossary of mineralogical, geological and archaeological terms. Overall this is an excellent volume that should appeal equally to those with a geological or an archaeological background. Highly recommended." "The scope of this book is ambitious. In it the author aims to cover the main mineral and rock materials used in antiquity from Prehistoric times to the 17th century AD ... . the range of materials covered and the extensive bibliography of some 800 references provide the reader with a good starting point for further study. ... It is really a book to be dipped into ... . Overall, the book is well balanced using both New and Old World examples ... ." (Louise Joyner, Geoscientist, Vol. 13 (9), 2003) "This little book provides a wealth of information in an entertaining and readable fashion. The coverage is both very broad and complete ... . I found the archaeological discussion very informative, and the excellent biography, with over 500 references, provide an immediate entry into the geoarchaeology literature on many different subjects! Overall, I found that the book had much to offer for any geologist or archaeologist interested in minerals and rocks and how they have been used in the past." (C. R. Stern, Mineralium Deposita, Vol. 38 (5), 2003) "This is a gem of a book ... . Its aim is to provide 'a systematic look at the mineral and rock materials that have been used from prehistoric times through the seventeenth century ACE' ... . Moreover, it attempts to give world coverage ... . this is a huge task. It is a great credit, therefore, to the scholarship, energy and experience of the author, that he has managed to achieve his aim ... ." (A. M. Pollard, The Holocene, Vol. 13 (5), 2003) "The current volume aims to provide a systematic overview of minerals and rocks that have been used from prehistoric times through to the 17th Century. ... it is a very readable well-written overview of the subject. In addition to the extensive bibliography there is also a very useful glossary of mineralogical, geological and archaeological terms ... . Overall this is an excellent volume that should appeal equally to those with a geological or an archaeological background. Highly recommended." (Allan Pring, Geological Magazine, Vol. 140 (3), 2003) From the reviews of the second edition: "This new edition ... is truly an asset to the small but growing field of archaeomineralogy. ... provides a comprehensive introduction to minerals with an underlying emphasis on how they are important to archaeologists and researchers of ancient technology. ... this book is perfect for undergraduates pursuing an education in archaeology or the curious nonacademic interested in the subject. ... useful quick reference for graduate students and researchers already familiar with the field. Summing Up: Highly recommended. All levels." (L. D. Frame, Choice, Vol. 47 (1), September, 2009)