Stones and quarries in ancient Egypt

"This important book looks in detail at the geological structure of Egypt and the mineral composition of its rocks, and provides an in-depth study of ancient Egyptian stone quarries. Taking different stones in turn - limestones, alabaster, sandstone, quartzite, granite, basalt and others - the authors discuss how to identify different types and then describe individual quarries and the specific qualities of the stones obtained there. Illustrated with almost 500 photographs and diagrams, microscopic sections and electronic scans, as well as colour photographs of all the types of stone discussed, the detailed descriptions of the quarries and numerous examples of quarrying and masonry techniques make this book an indispensable tool for understanding the use of stone in ancient Egypt and for provenancing museum exhibits." "Archaeologists, Egyptologists and travellers to Egypt will find here a wealth of fascinating in formation on quarrying equipment, working methods and transport in ancient Egypt, as well as an introduction to the geology and mineralogy of the Nile Valley and the surrounding desert regions." "Available for the first time in English, this edition has been updated to take account of new research, and a chapter on. the building stones of the Western Oases has been added."--Jacket.