This volume provides an overview of the types of spectroscopic methods in current use for characterization of crystal structure, chemistry, morphology, and excited states of minerals. Its 23 chapters cover topics such as the numerous means of mineral spectroscopy applied to the determinization of composition, purity, interaction with energy, characterization of active centers, and adsorbate interactions. It also addresses the structural and physical properties of
minerals associated with chemical promotion of chemical reactions, the storage of electronic energy in most naturally occurring minerals, and spectroscopic means by which biologically deposited minerals can be distinguished from geologically deposited ones.