The surfaces of minerals can now be studied at the molecular level, enabling understanding of the fundamentals of phenomena such as mineral breakdown, the sorption of species (including metals on mineral surfaces) and the role of minerals as catalysts. Such phenomena are central to an understanding of many processes taking place at the Earth's surface, whether natural or resulting from human activity. They are also central to many industrial processes in the fields of mineral extraction and industrial mineral chemistry. This text summarizes the state-of-the-art in the study of mineral surfaces and some of the key applications of surface science in mineralogy and mineral chemistry. Each chapter covers a particular aspect of the subject and is written by an expert who raises the key issues involved for those requiring an introduction to the subject and highlights most recent developments. Advanced undergraduates, postgraduates and researchers alike will find this essential reading as it is the first book to review this rapidly developing field.