In this book we decided to attach the permil sign (‰) to all Li isotopic quantities. One way of viewing stable isotopes denoted by δ is that the arithmetic sets the results as being part-per-thousand quantities, so to place the ‰ on a value is redundant. However, this implies a certain familiarity from the reader. Our decision regarding the ‰ in this volume was guided by the potential that the audience may include those not so steeped in the thinking of stable isotopes. This calls to mind a historical note regarding Li isotopes. Readers of the early literature on the subject (beginning with Chan in 1987) will find papers that use δ6Li. Prior to 2000, using the now-accepted δ7Li notation was viewed as an unwanted usurpation by at least one prominent geochemist. Nevertheless, being clear is important, and although δ7Li was not the first notation employed, it follows stable isotope convention. We find that students have a hard enough time understanding isotope geochemistry, so to oppose the notation used in virtually all systems (positive values are isotopically heavier than negative values) invites confusion. Hence, our use of the ‰ is a further step to make this compilation clear for all.

Minerals are the backbone of all types of industry and energy technologies, providing them with the necessary materials. The book advances in minerals research is a rich reference for all those interested in minerals research and industry. Researchers will find in this book recent experimental results and in-depth discussions. Academics, graduate, and undergraduate students will find reviews and fundamental material. Beginners and research followers will find introductory material and basics to start their way. The book includes ten chapters described briefly in the following paragraphs.

The Global Optimiser used by Whittle Consulting has gone through three major versions to date. The first was based on the Milawa optimisation algorithm; it worked, but had many shortcomings. The second, known internally as ProberA, had a different approach to optimisation in that it used a series of random starting points and found the nearest local NPV maximum to each.

THE fascinating problem of the origin of liquid petroleum, with which we must associate natural gas, mineral waxes, and asphaltic materials, is primarily of interest to geologists and chemists, but its solution would have a wider impact, since it would throw some light on certain aspects of the early history of the earth and the first steps in the evolution of living forms.