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An isotope is a variant form of a chemical element, containing a different number of neutrons in its nucleus. Most elements exist as several isotopes. Many are stable, others are radioactive, and some may only exist fleetingly before decaying into other elements. The study of isotope ratios has become central to many areas of science, and used to probe the age and history of the Earth and the origins of the Solar System. Radioactive isotopes find wide applications, from nuclear power to medicine and carbon dating. Isotopes: A Very Short Introduction provides an overview of the nature of stable and radioactive isotopes, considering their wide range of modern applications.Less

Minerals existed long before any forms of life, playing a key role in the origin and evolution of life; an interaction with biological systems that we are only now beginning to understand. Exploring the traditional strand of mineralogy, which emphasizes the important mineral families, the well-established analytical methods (optical microscopy and X-ray diffraction) and the dramatic developments made in techniques over recent decades, Minerals: A Very Short Introduction also introduces the modern strand of mineralogy. This explores the role minerals play in the plate tectonic cycle and how they can be critical for human health and illness by providing essential nutrients and releasing poisons.Less