The amphibole group is extremely important, widespread, and beautiful, with a structure that can accommodate a bewildering variety of compositions and potentially hundreds of unique specimens. This timely volume will allow mineral collectors to understand how the amphiboles are organized and named, and to relate obsolete names to currently accepted ones. Over 140 full-colour crystal images help the reader visualize the important structural features that define amphiboles and control their physical properties. This reference also provides information that collectors need to know to better understand the group and to learn what the specimens teach us about geological processes. Structural chemistry and taxonomy of the group is explored as well as formation and geochemistry, explaining the kinds of environments where amphiboles are formed. An entry for each mineral series provides locality information along with identification photos wherever possible, and examples that one might expect to find in the varied locales. AUTHOR: The author holds a Ph.D. in Metallurgical Engineering from the University of Illinois. His scientific career included over twenty years at Oak Ridge National Laboratory, where he conducted research on topics ranging from nuclear fuel, coal by-products, materials synthesis, and microwave processing to sensors, optical materials, and biomineralization. He has been granted over forty U.S. Patents for his inventions, many of which have become successful industrial products. He is now a Registered Patent Agent and technology consultant. 144 colour photographs