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Under The Microscope

HOT STUFF TO COLD STONE by Jefley J. Aitken; Institute of Geological & Nuclear Sciences information series 44, 1997; 74 pp; $38.00

Reviewed by Ros Davis

In Hot Stuff to Cold Stone Jefley Aitken takes us on a journey of discovery from the large scale movements of the earth to the minute chemical reactions which take place as molten magma cools and begins to crystallise into rock. It is a story of creation and destruction, of volcanoes and erosion, of massive landforms and beautiful crystals. The subject matter moves from the general (tectonic plate movement, the life cycle of rocks) to the specific (the plates that New Zealand rides on, the structure of a particular type of silicate rock).

The text is very informative and well set out, and uses a reader-friendly style which is reminiscent of a good stage one lecture. Due to the nature of the subject, there are a great many technical names and terms used which presupposes some knowledge of the topic. Younger or less knowledgeable readers could find themselves drowning in a sea of mineral names! Terms are explained, however, and there is a detailed glossary at the back of the book.

The information is illustrated by clear diagrams and the beautifully produced photographs that I have come to associate with GNS productions. One very small gripe I have is that on occasion the plates referred to in the text are in a completely different section of the book.

This book is one for working through rather than browsing, although clear headings and subheadings do assist in finding information on a specific area. There is no index which may cause difficulty when using the book as a reference. A bibliography is provided at the back, plus a list of other GNS resources available (including an order form which can be photocopied if the reader is prepared to bend the spine of the book).

I enjoyed reading Hot Stuff to Cold Stone but feel it would be wasted just languishing on a bookcase. I recommend that schools and universities take a good look at it for their libraries and classroom resources -- and make sure it gets used!

There is a special introductory offer (for early orders) of $30. Orders should be faxed to Lee Aitken or Janice Wright at +64-4-569-9074, or write to GNS, PO Box 30-368, Lower Hutt, New Zealand.