Chapter 1 introduces common rock-forming minerals for igneous and metamorphic rocks. These are presented by mineral group, the optical properties used to recognize each mineral in thin-section are described, and each mineral’s distinctive characteristics and paragenesis is summarized. Color images show typical occurrence and textures with scale. Additional information on solid-solution and polymorphism is provided, as are mineral applications using imaging techniques, barometry, thermometry, and geochronology.

Chapter 2 first presents terms related to crystal form, size, and shape which are used to describe what we see in thin-sections of volcanic and plutonic rocks. This is followed by definitions and illustrations of a variety of common igneous textures and how they form. Igneous rock types are presented and defined according to their mineralogy, IUGS classification, and texture, and illustrated using typical hand sample or outcrop photos. The petrogenesis and occurrence of each rock type is summarized within a plate tectonic framework, followed by representative thin-section microphotographs. Additional information is provided regarding igneous process such as nucleation and crystal growth, mineral exsolution, and magmatic zoning, as are applications related to melt generation, crystal size distribution, and anatexis.

Chapter 3 introduces various concepts for naming metamorphic rocks. It then presents the textures of metamorphic rocks in thin-section based on grain size and shape, deformation fabrics, and equilibrium and disequilibrium textures. The presentation of metamorphic rocks according to metamorphic facies is followed by metamorphic rock types presented and defined according to their mineralogy, IUGS classification, and texture - illustrated using typical hand sample or outcrop photos. The petrogenesis and occurrence of each rock type is summarized within a plate tectonic framework, followed by representative thin section microphotographs. Additional information is provided regarding metamorphic zones, deformation textures, fluids and transport diffusion, as are applications related to determining shear direction, pressure-temperature loops, and pressure-temperature-time paths.