This textbook is the first to offer essential information on the ores and basic properties of the majority of chemical elements, together with the most important industrial minerals, their latest applications and recycling options, illustrated with a wealth of photos. This book represents the culmination of a comprehensive project jointly pursued by the Valentí Masachs Geology Museum and the Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya (UPC) (Polytechnic University of Catalonia) over the past several years. Published in response to multiple requests from university professors and other educators, it will promote a new society in which human beings use the Earth's natural resources responsibly and with respect for the environment. Keep in mind that we aren't the only inhabitants of the Earth, a wonderful but depletable planet!

Joaquim Sanz Degree in Mining Engineering (Polytechnic University of Catalonia) (UPC), Gemmologist and Diamond Specialist (University of Barcelona) (UB) & (Gemmological Association of Great Britain). Professor of Mineralogy (Polytechnic University of Catalonia) (UPC) and Director of the Valentí Masachs Geological Museum (UPC), now retired Oriol Tomasa Guix Mining Engineering and Master's degree in Natural Resources Engineering from the Polytechnic University of Catalonia (UPC), lecturer in part-time of Mineralogy (Polytechnic University of Catalonia) (UPC), and he is doing his PhD in Natural Resources and Environmental Engineering. Abigail Jiménez Franco Geologist (National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM), PhD by the Polytechnic University of Catalonia (UPC) and Gemmologist (University of Barcelona) (UB), Coeditor of the Springer's Geology series Nor Sidki Rius Master degree in Mining Engineering (Polytechnic University of Catalonia) (UPC). Currently, she is working on her PhD thesis titled "Some approaches to improve the geomechanical behaviour in underground Potash mines".