William Lawrence Bragg was born in Adelaide in 1890. Lawrence was only fifteen years old when he started study at the University of Adelaide. In 1908 he graduated with a first-class honours degree in mathematics. He worked as a professor of physics at the University of Manchester in 1919-1938 and at Cambridge in 1938-54. He shared the Nobel Prize in 1915 with his father, Sir William Henry Bragg at the age of twenty-five "for their services in the analysis of crystal structure by means of X-rays". He died in Waldringfield, England, 1 July 1971. Red hardcovered book with black and white illustrations. At the top of title "The Crystalline State Vol. IV". 409pp [inkstamped name on front free endpaper]. The book discusses the Crystal structures of minerals, by Sir L. Bragg and G. F. Claringbull, with a chapter by W.H. Taylor.metallic crystal structures, sir lawrence bragg, g f claringbull, physics

Garnet is a popular gemstone used in jewellery due to its hardness and durability. There are about 5 varieties of Garnet, which distinguish the colour of each stone. In Australia mostly Pyrope and Aimandine varieties are found; Pyrope, which is blood-red to black and Aimadine, which is brownish-red to black. Other varieties are rarely found in Australia. The garnets visible in this specimen are likely Pyrope. Galnea is the natural mineral form of lead sulphide and has had various uses throughout history; from makeup to car batteries. It was first mined in South Australia in 1841. Green feldspar is an amazonite mineral, a variety of the potassium feldspar called microcline. This particular mineral is considered uncommon. It has been used in jewellery throughout history. It is likely that this specimen was found in Broken Hill, NSW, presumed due to findings of specimens with similar combinations. Broken Hill is Australia’s longest-lived mining city. The city’s fortunes have come and gone against an extreme economic background of boom and bust which continues today.This geological specimen is a rarity, given that is formed of three distinct minerals and the richness of colour that remains visible in this item attests to the strength of each structure. As we cannot pinpoint exactly where this specimen was found further research can only strengthen what is known about mining within Australia. As such the item is significant due to its scientific rarity and its ability to represent three specimens in one. A solid palm-sized mineral that features shades of grey, red and green. garnet, galnea, green feldspar, minerals, mining, rare specimen