Includes bibliographical references (p. 951-959) and index.

v. 1. Abrasives; general mining law of 1872 -- v. 2. Genetic diversity, platinum and the platinum group metals -- v. 3. Plutonic rocks and minerals deposits: zirconium; index.

"This unique three-volume set brings together articles concerning natural resources and surrounding issues about their management. Written to provide traditional and more recent views on naturally occurring resources, their uses, economic benefits, and ecological ramifications of both use and retrieval in an easily understandable manner, it more than succeeds. Over 400 signed entries use charts, tables, and photographs to answer the basic what, when, where, why, and how questions. Specific minerals, organizations, historical events, and biographies are included as well as articles on energy and ecological resources. Appendixes include a time line of events, mineral resource production by resource, state, and county".--"Outstanding Reference Sources : the 1999 Selection of New Titles", American Libraries, May 1999. Comp. by the Reference Sources Committee, RUSA, ALA.