Advanced Mineralogy and Crystal Physics

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The course will cover advanced topics in the field of the physical properties of minerals. An understanding of the mineralogical structure of crust and mantle and of the microscopic mechanisms underlying large-scale processes will be provided. Part of the course will be devoted to a presentation of physical properties of relevant minerals, such as elastic, magnetic, electrical, and radioactivity properties. In addition, both theoretical and experimental approaches used to determine such properties will be described. In particular, the course will address topics, such as equations of state, propagation of acoustic waves in crystals, anisotropy of physical properties. Experimental mineralogy techniques will include: methodologies for in-situ experiments and the use of synchrotron radiation.

Students will acquire the critical skills in the evaluation and use of minerals as indicators of the surface and internal dynamics of the planet. Furthermore, students will acquire the knowledge the main mineralogical analytical techniques and data analysis. The course contents will also be a fundamental basis for applications of mineralogical methodologies not only to the understanding of geological and planetary processes, but also to materials science.