Mineralogy
A.Y. 2020/2021
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
Lectures will be on-line in asynchronous mode (due to the large number of students). Two hours per week (one for each 300 students round) will be dedicated to Q&A, so that the students can have a direct interaction with the lectures. Lectures will be mainly recorded movies, with a comment on slides, or with the blackboard. Practical lectures will instead be in the classroom.
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, sometimes using slides, sometimes using the whiteboard. 3D movies of minerals will be used during the lectures. Web sites will be used during lectures for a better understanding of the subject.
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
Modality: written exam with practical parts
Typology (written exam with open questions, with recognition of one mineral and one 3D symmetry). The exams must be finished within 90 minutes.
rating parameters: ability of reasoning and deduction, specific language skills, knowledge of the main aspects of mineralogy
rating type will be out of 30
periodic table can be used during the exam
results communication: on Ariel with the registration number only. Students can accept or refuse the mark, and they can ask for an additional oral examination on the whole program (the mark will be averaged with the one of the written exam).
Typology (written exam with open questions, with recognition of one mineral and one 3D symmetry). The exams must be finished within 90 minutes.
rating parameters: ability of reasoning and deduction, specific language skills, knowledge of the main aspects of mineralogy
rating type will be out of 30
periodic table can be used during the exam
results communication: on Ariel with the registration number only. Students can accept or refuse the mark, and they can ask for an additional oral examination on the whole program (the mark will be averaged with the one of the written exam).
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 Monica
turno 1
Professor:
Dapiaggi Monicaturno 2
Professor:
Dapiaggi Monicaturno 3
Professor:
Marinoni Nicolettaturno 4
Professor:
Marinoni Nicolettaturno 5
Professor:
Marinoni Nicolettaturno 6
Professor:
Marinoni NicolettaProfessor(s)
Reception:
anytime, just send an email with the request
office, first floor, via Botticelli 23