Elements of Mineralogy and Petrography
A.Y. 2020/2021
Learning objectives
The goal of this course is to provide the fundamentals for the description and the classification of minerals and rocks.
Expected learning outcomes
The student will practice and acquire the methods required to identify natural materials (geomaterials) used both as raw materials, to be transformed, and as ornamental or dimensional elements.
Lesson period: Second 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
Second semester
Course syllabus
Descriptive mineralogy: crystal shape, luster, hardness, cleavage. Systematic mineralogy: native elements, sulphides, oxides, hydroxides, carbonates, sulphates, phosphates, borates, silicates. Rock-forming minerals. Ore minerals. Gems and pigments. Industrial minerals. Cement and concretes. Ceramics.
An introduction to plate tectonics and petrogenetic processes: the rock cycle. An introduction to the geochemical classification of elements. The chemical composition of rocks, diagrams for the classification and discrimination; trace elements. Field relationships and geometrical relations for volcanic and plutonic igneous rocks. Petrogenetic processes and phase diagrams: topology of binary diagrams. Macroscopic description and classification of igneous rocks. Rock forming minerals in igneous rocks and the classification of Streckeisen. Metamorphic rocks: stress, strain, and metamorphism. Factors controlling metamorphism and types of metamorphism. The Metamorphic Facies and subdivisions in the Pressure-Temperature diagram. Rock forming minerals in metamorphic rocks and classifications.
Dimension stones and historical uses.
The students will practice in the laboratory the description of the most common minerals and and textures and mineral assemblages of most common igneous and metamorphic rocks, to be discussed in exams.
An introduction to plate tectonics and petrogenetic processes: the rock cycle. An introduction to the geochemical classification of elements. The chemical composition of rocks, diagrams for the classification and discrimination; trace elements. Field relationships and geometrical relations for volcanic and plutonic igneous rocks. Petrogenetic processes and phase diagrams: topology of binary diagrams. Macroscopic description and classification of igneous rocks. Rock forming minerals in igneous rocks and the classification of Streckeisen. Metamorphic rocks: stress, strain, and metamorphism. Factors controlling metamorphism and types of metamorphism. The Metamorphic Facies and subdivisions in the Pressure-Temperature diagram. Rock forming minerals in metamorphic rocks and classifications.
Dimension stones and historical uses.
The students will practice in the laboratory the description of the most common minerals and and textures and mineral assemblages of most common igneous and metamorphic rocks, to be discussed in exams.
Prerequisites for admission
Scientific knowledge acquired in the secondary schools and university course of "chemistry"
Teaching methods
Lectures on topics of mineralogy and petrography and practical tutorials on decription and identification of macroscopic samples of minerals and rocks
Teaching Resources
Klein Plilpotts. Earth Materials. Cambridge ed.
Assessment methods and Criteria
Theoretical open questions (written) on the main topics of the course and (oral) description and identification of macroscopic samples of minerals and rocks
GEO/06 - MINERALOGY
GEO/07 - PETROLOGY AND PETROGRAPHY
GEO/07 - PETROLOGY AND PETROGRAPHY
Practicals: 24 hours
Laboratories: 16 hours
Lessons: 24 hours
Laboratories: 16 hours
Lessons: 24 hours
Professor(s)
Reception:
Monday, 12.30 - 13.30
Via Botticelli 23, Milano