The cell data sections include space group and the cell dimensions. It is not apparent whether these data are averages or from individual samples, and if the latter, where those data were obtained. The X-ray powder pattern contains the d values and relative intensities of the seven most intense lines, arranged on the basis of decreasing intensity. Unfortunately, the opportunity was not taken of listing the PDF number where one could obtain the complete pattern for a species. This would have fitted easily on the same line as the d values and although, in time, it would have become out of date, no more so than some of the other information presented.
Chemistry is perhaps the most disappointing summary of the available information.
In most but not all cases, the concentrations are limited to those for elements appearing in the theoretical formulae. Whilst this may be all that is possible for some rare minerals and perfectly satisfactory for others, it does not do justice to widely studied minerals such as those of the tetrahedrite-tennantite series, the common sulfide sphalerite, or even native elements such as silver. Under the heading polymorphism and series , information is also given on polytypic variations. No other information on classification appears in the book. Under the heading distribution , one finds a summary of the principal localities at which the mineral is known to have been found.