Geostatistics is a subset of statistics specialized in analysis and interpretation of geographically referenced data (Goovaerts, 1997; Webster and Oliver, 2001; Nielsen and Wendroth, 2003). In other words, geostatistics comprises statistical techniques that are adjusted to spatial data. Typical questions of interest to a geostatistician are:

how does a variable vary in space?

what controls its variation in space?

where to locate samples to describe its spatial variability?

how many samples are needed to represent its spatial variability?

what is a value of a variable at some new location?

what is the uncertainty of the estimate?

In nature, minerals are usually found in association, forming rocks. Ores are no exception: they are almost always composed of different species, forming intergrowths. The study, description and interpretation of these intergrowths is the objective of textural analysis and is very important for mineralogy, both from a scientific point of view (e.g. mineral genesis) and for a practical approach (e.g. mining exploration and minerallurgy).

Learning about rocks can give much pleasure to anyone interested in Earth and its development. I hope that readers of this book will share my enthusiasm for examining rocks with the microscope. I planned the book to be an introductory review of the main processes responsible for the microstructures of Earth rocks. However, I soon realized that if I did that, the book would be a collection of half-truths, with little scientific value. Though many rock microstructures are understood fairly well, the interpretation of many others involves considerable controversy, and new ideas are being published all the time. So, I have felt compelled to mention problems of interpretation and to present alternative views, where appropriate. Thus, the book has evolved into (1) a basic explanation of the main processes, (2) an introduction to more complex issues of interpretation and especially to the relevant literature, and (3) an outline of modern approaches and techniques, in order to emphasize the ongoing, dynamic nature of the study of rock microstructure. Because complicated problems cannot be discussed in detail in a book of this kind, I have tried to provide a sufficient number of references to enable the reader to delve more deeply. <...>

Microscopy is a servant of all the sciences, and the microscopic examination of minerals is an important technique which should be mastered by all students of geology early in their careers. Advanced modern textbooks on both optics and mineralogy are available, and our intention is not that this new textbook should replace these but that it should serve as an introductory text or a first stepping-stone to the study of optical mineralogy. The present text has been written with full awareness that it will probably be used as a laboratory handbook, serving as a quick reference to the properties of minerals, but nevertheless care has been taken to present a systematic explanation of the use of the microscope as well as theoretical aspects of optical mineralogy. The book is therefore suitable for the novice either studying as an individual or participating in classwork. <...>