Advances in the Characterization of Industrial Minerals

Editor: G. Christidis

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The use of minerals by man is as old as the human race. In fact the advancement of human civilization has been intimately associated with the exploitation of raw materials. It is not by chance that the distinction of the main historical eras is based on the type of raw materials used. During the past 50 years, although metals were equally important to western economies as they had been previously, the amount of metals extracted annually in western countries has decreased significantly and metal mining activity shifted mainly to third world countries (in Africa, South America, Asia) and Australia, due to economic and environmental constraints. At the same time the role of industrial minerals has become increasingly important for the western economies and today, in developed EU countries, the production of industrial minerals has surpassed by far the production of metals. Industrial minerals-raw materials used by the industry for their physical and/or chemical properties-are versatile and find a wide range of industrial applications; hence their characterization is of fundamental importance and is accomplished using a variety of experimental techniques. Characterization of industrial minerals is essential because it determines the value of the raw materials and may justify expensive prospecting programs on a worldwide basis, as existing resources may be exhausted. The introduction of novel analytical techniques has provided additional tools for more effective characterization of industrial raw materials.

"The original aim [of this book] was to produce a reference textbook for those giving university level courses in the area. It is obvious that the book will meet this target and will also be extremely valuable for postgraduates and scholars interested in these materials and uses. The text will also be valuable not only for those starting industrial careers but will stimulate thought and action even by those with years of industrial experience. I recommend the book highly for its authority, clarity, practicality and as a stimulus for future work."
--Clay Minerals