Mineralogy of Earth and Planets and Analytical Methods
A.Y. 2020/2021
Learning objectives
The course aims to provide students mineralogical topics useful for acquiring in-depth and modern knowledge of the origin, distribution and evolution of minerals in terrestrial and planetary environments.
The main minerals of Earth and Planets will be described. Main topics concern the study of rock-forming minerals in magmatic, metamorphic and sedimentary context and ore minerals. A specific topic is about clay minerals, relevant both for their scientific role as the interface between inorganic and organic environment, and for the importance in the geotechnical and applied fields. The operative procedures of the main mineralogical analytical techniques will be elaborated, in particular the X-ray diffraction
The main minerals of Earth and Planets will be described. Main topics concern the study of rock-forming minerals in magmatic, metamorphic and sedimentary context and ore minerals. A specific topic is about clay minerals, relevant both for their scientific role as the interface between inorganic and organic environment, and for the importance in the geotechnical and applied fields. The operative procedures of the main mineralogical analytical techniques will be elaborated, in particular the X-ray diffraction
Expected learning outcomes
Students will acquire a critical approach in the evaluation and use of minerals as indicators of current and past environmental conditions, as important economic resources and as indicators of the superficial and internal dynamics of the planets. Students will learn the main operating procedures of the mineralogical analytical instruments and data analysis protocols. These techniques will be applied to selected case studies of scientific and applicative interest.
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
Mineralogy of Earth and Planets and analytical methodsI
ntroduction: man and minerals. History of mineralogy. From applied mineralogy in the copper age to scientific extraterrestrial exploration mining projects. Minerals in space and meteorites; relevance of "extraterrestrial" mineralogical studies for the understanding of the mineralogical and chemical composition of the Earth.
Minerals in the magmatic process. Rock-forming minerals. Concentration of minor elements in magmatic minerals. Concentration of radioactive elements and radioactive minerals in magmatic rocks. Notes on natural radioactivity.
Hydrothermal minerals. Hydrothermal alteration in the ocean floor. Serpentinization and associated minerals. Minerals of hydrothermal origin of economic interest. Sulphides and oxides as important structures in materials science.
Minerals in the metamorphic process. High-pressure minerals. Mineralogical model of Earth and Planets.
Minerals in the sedimentary process. Clay minerals. Evaporitic minerals.
Instrumental analytical techniques: X-ray diffractometry. Qualitative analysis based on X-ray powder diffraction. Diffrattometric identification of clay minerals. Chemical and diffractometric characterization of minerals. Interpretation of complex chemical microprobe analyses. Mineralogical databases, phase identification, data processing and interpretation. Experimental mineralogy techniques and mineral synthesis: procedures and examples. Macroscopic and microscopic observation of mineral and meteorite samples
ntroduction: man and minerals. History of mineralogy. From applied mineralogy in the copper age to scientific extraterrestrial exploration mining projects. Minerals in space and meteorites; relevance of "extraterrestrial" mineralogical studies for the understanding of the mineralogical and chemical composition of the Earth.
Minerals in the magmatic process. Rock-forming minerals. Concentration of minor elements in magmatic minerals. Concentration of radioactive elements and radioactive minerals in magmatic rocks. Notes on natural radioactivity.
Hydrothermal minerals. Hydrothermal alteration in the ocean floor. Serpentinization and associated minerals. Minerals of hydrothermal origin of economic interest. Sulphides and oxides as important structures in materials science.
Minerals in the metamorphic process. High-pressure minerals. Mineralogical model of Earth and Planets.
Minerals in the sedimentary process. Clay minerals. Evaporitic minerals.
Instrumental analytical techniques: X-ray diffractometry. Qualitative analysis based on X-ray powder diffraction. Diffrattometric identification of clay minerals. Chemical and diffractometric characterization of minerals. Interpretation of complex chemical microprobe analyses. Mineralogical databases, phase identification, data processing and interpretation. Experimental mineralogy techniques and mineral synthesis: procedures and examples. Macroscopic and microscopic observation of mineral and meteorite samples
Prerequisites for admission
Knowledge of basic mineralogy, petrology and geology from introductory courses.
Teaching methods
Lectures and practicals
Teaching Resources
Wenk and Bulakh. Minerals. Their constitution and Origin. Cambridge ed.
Hazen. Breve storia della Terra. Il saggiatore Ed.
Selected chapters of:
Meunier, Alain. Clays. Springer Ed.
Klein. Mineralogia. Ed. Zanichelli.
Klein-Phillpotts. Mineralogia e petrografia. Ed. Zanichelli
Hazen. Breve storia della Terra. Il saggiatore Ed.
Selected chapters of:
Meunier, Alain. Clays. Springer Ed.
Klein. Mineralogia. Ed. Zanichelli.
Klein-Phillpotts. Mineralogia e petrografia. Ed. Zanichelli
Assessment methods and Criteria
Question on main topics of the lectures (written) followed by oral discussion
GEO/06 - MINERALOGY - University credits: 6
Lessons: 48 hours
Professors:
Camara Artigas Fernando, Merlini Marco
Professor(s)
Reception:
9:00 - 10:00 AM
23 Botticelli st., first floor. PLEASE, do not send anything to Mangiagalli 32.