Mineralogy Applied to Cultural Heritage

The aim of the course is to provide basic knowledge of the main applications of Mineralogical Sciences in
the field of Cultural Heritage. Topics include the natural availability of major metallic minerals and industrial
resources, the evolution of extraction methods and processing techniques, as well as the transformation of
natural raw materials into man-made products. The course also covers aspects of current Italian mining
legislation, the degradation processes affecting natural materials, and the main analytical methods used for
their characterization in the laboratory.

Knowledge and Understanding: It is desirable that students demonstrate knowledge and understanding and reach a level that, supported by the use of advanced texts, includes familiarity with cutting-edge topics. By the end of the course, students are expected to know: 1) the primary minerals and rocks used in cultural heritage, 2) the main industrial transformation processes leading to the formation of artificial materials such as ancient and modern mortars, ceramic products, 3) the primary processes of degradation of natural materials in response to external agents, 4) the main analytical techniques for laboratory characterization and industrial quality control. Applied Knowledge and Understanding: It is desirable that students are able to apply their knowledge and understanding, demonstrating a professional and multidisciplinary approach to their work, and acquire adequate skills for both devising and supporting complex arguments and solving problems in the field of mineralogical applications.
Judgment Autonomy: It is desirable that students acquire the ability to gather and interpret data to make autonomous judgments, including reflection on economic, social, scientific, or ethical issues related to them.
Communication Skills: It is expected that students acquire the ability to communicate information, ideas, pose problems, and propose solutions to both specialist and non-specialist audiences.
Learning Skills: It is desirable that students have developed the learning skills necessary to pursue further studies with a high degree of autonomy.