Ore mineralogy is a distinct part of mineralogy, focused on the identification and characterization of typically metal-bearing minerals. The studies required, whilst similar to rock-forming minerals, are also unique and require a different approach. Despite this, teaching of the subject has diminished significantly as fewer practitioners are active in passing these skills on to a new generation.

So, the publication of a new teaching instrument to engage and communicate this important branch of mineralogy to students is indeed very welcome. For my generation, the book by Craig and Vaughan (Ore Microscopy and Ore Petrology) was the main textbook on the topic and Majzlan and Chovan may well come to be held in the same esteem as that classical text.

The book was published by Comenius University in Bratislava. It is largely free of typographical errors and is logically presented. It starts with the theory of reflected light microscopy then moves through the characteristics of major sulfides and sulfosalts. The next large section covers chemical analysis with a final one explaining different methods for more detailed chemical and physical analysis of minerals. A case study using reflected light microscopy is also presented at the end along with useful reference tables.

This book is not just essential reading but is a must-have tool for the topic and should form the basis for undergraduate tuition in ore mineralogy. Equally useful for researchers and graduate students who may need to brush up on knowledge of mineral characteristics; for this reviewer, it will be a useful guide next to my reflected light microscope and remind of the facts I once learned but have forgotten. I cannot recommend this book more highly.