Mineralogy
A.Y. 2019/2020
Learning objectives
The aim of the course is to generate the essential knowledge for a suitable learning of all the disciplines related to the Earth Sciences. Minerals are, in fact, fundamental components of the rocks, which, in turn, are derived from particular geological processes, each with its own evolution. Knowing structure, symmetry and chemical composition of minerals means understanding in a deeper way the processes in earth science.
Expected learning outcomes
The students will be able, from the practical point of view, to recognize massive minerals and their crystal system. From the theoretical point of view, they will know the main families (silicates and non-silicates) of rock-forming minerals.
Lesson period: First semester
Assessment methods: Esame
Assessment result: voto verbalizzato in trentesimi
Single course
This course cannot be attended as a single course. Please check our list of single courses to find the ones available for enrolment.
Course syllabus and organization
Single session
Responsible
Lesson period
First semester
Course syllabus
1) crystal chemistry: chemical composition of the crust, atoms and ions, ionic radius, oxidation numbers, cubic and hexagonal close packing, Pauling's rules, common structures. Solid solutions (substitutional, interstitial). Colours in minerals and gemmology (basics).
2) crystallography: symmetry elements without translation and their combinations (32 point groups). Symmetry elements typical of the six crystal systems. MIller's index. Difference between form and crystal habit. Twinning. Translations and lattices (basics).
3) analytical techniques: chemical analysis (atomic absorption, X-ray fluorescence, electronic microprobe), X-ray powder diffraction, polarised light microscope.
4) systematic mineralogy: silicates and non-silicates, main rock forming minerals.
2) crystallography: symmetry elements without translation and their combinations (32 point groups). Symmetry elements typical of the six crystal systems. MIller's index. Difference between form and crystal habit. Twinning. Translations and lattices (basics).
3) analytical techniques: chemical analysis (atomic absorption, X-ray fluorescence, electronic microprobe), X-ray powder diffraction, polarised light microscope.
4) systematic mineralogy: silicates and non-silicates, main rock forming minerals.
Prerequisites for admission
Basic knowledge of maths, physics and chemistry.
Teaching methods
Traditional lectures, with 12 hours of practical recognition of minerals and symmetries
Teaching Resources
Ariel (http://rbocchiom.ariel.ctu.unimi.it/v3/home/Default.aspx)
Cornelis Klein, Mineralogia, Zanichelli
Cornelis Klein, Anthony Philpotts, Earth materials, Cambridge university press
Klein, Philpotts, Mineralogia e petrografia, Zanichelli
Wenk, Bulakh, Minerals, Cabridge University press
Cornelis Klein, Mineralogia, Zanichelli
Cornelis Klein, Anthony Philpotts, Earth materials, Cambridge university press
Klein, Philpotts, Mineralogia e petrografia, Zanichelli
Wenk, Bulakh, Minerals, Cabridge University press
Assessment methods and Criteria
Written examination, with recognition of one mineral and one symmetry (3D model).
GEO/06 - MINERALOGY - University credits: 6
Practicals with elements of theory: 12 hours
Lessons: 40 hours
Lessons: 40 hours
Professors:
Dapiaggi Monica, Marinoni Nicoletta
Shifts:
-
Professor:
Dapiaggi Monicaturno 1
Professor:
Dapiaggi Monicaturno 2
Professor:
Dapiaggi Monicaturno 3
Professor:
Marinoni Nicolettaturno 4
Professor:
Marinoni NicolettaProfessor(s)
Reception:
anytime, just send an email with the request
office, first floor, via Botticelli 23