This volume provides an overview of luminescence and micro-Raman properties, respectively, of the earth and planetary materials. It is unique in that it is the first proceedings volume of its kind presenting new important data on micro-Raman and luminescence spectroscopy and microscopy on samples of impactites, meteorites, shock recovery experiences, minerals as well as sediments. Each chapter is written by a well-known specialist and covers new fields such as shock-induced microdeformations in minerals, astrobiology and the cosmochemistry of meteorites, in-situ planetary explorations.