Hi,

 

As a layman curious about industrial manufacturing processes, could

you recommend some books?

 

Specifically, I am looking for a reference book that I can just pop

open at a given page if I am curious about a certain element. I am not

looking for a general interest book that deals with elements or

molecules in terms of their socio-economic, historical roles as well

as their scientific properties (a book of this sort would be "Salt" by

Mark Kurlansky or "The Invention of Air" by Steven Johnson).

 

Such a book would be an encyclopedia of elements that discusses among

other things (1) chemical properties (2) uses in modern products (e.g.

tellurium as it's used in modern semi-conductors) (3) extraction/

production processes (4) geographical location of sources and relative

abundance (5) major commercial miners/extractors (e.g. Rio Tinto and

all the things they dig up).

 

It would be nice if it were clearly written as well, but I'd prefer

accurate, up-to-date, exhaustive and detailed coverage over

legibility. It does not have to be written for the general reader. I'd

prefer it if it were for professional chemists/engineers.

 

I look forward to your replies.

Greenwood and Earnshaw

Chemistry of the Elements

 

seems the book for you.

 

This is a real textbook and will be priced accordingly.

The layout of giving each element its own chapter has not been duplicated in any other serious textbook (in my possibly fallible knowledge).

Seems perfect. Thanks!