Thermodynamics in Mineral Sciences

This advanced-undergraduate and beginning-graduate text book introduces geosciences students to the fundamental principles of thermodynamics that underlie mineralogy and petrology. It is class-tested based in hysical chemistry of minerals and theoretical petrology courses, given by the author over a number of years. Thermodynamic applications to real problems are illustrated through numerous examples taken from the mineralogical literature. In this way, the more abstract nature of thermodynamics is more easily understood. The reader learns how to apply the methods of this discipline to concrete mineralogical and petrologic problems. Although written primarily for graduate students, it is also useful for advanced scientists working in the field of mineralogy, petrology and geology. It may also be interesting for ceramists and materials scientists.

Examples help to understand how mineralogical problems can be solved by applying thermodynamic principles Thermodynamics is the basis for various fields in the geosciences

Inhalt
Definition of thermodynamic terms.- Volume as a state function.- The first law of thermodynamics.- Second law of thermodynamics.- Gibbs free energy and Helmholtz free energy.- Thermal equilibrium.- Chemical reactions.- Geothermometry and geobarometry.