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: By the end of the course, students are expected to:
1. know the main minerals and rocks commonly used in cultural heritage, as well as the most relevant
ore minerals;
2. understand the key industrial transformation processes leading to the production of man-made
materials such as ancient and modern mortars, ceramics, etc.;
3. be familiar with the main degradation processes affecting natural materials due to exogenous
agents;
4. understand the principal analytical techniques used for laboratory characterization of materials and
for quality control in industrial contexts.
Applied Knowledge and Understanding: Students should be able to apply the knowledge acquired to
develop and articulate complex arguments or to solve problems related to the mineralogical applications in
the field of cultural heritage.
Independent Judgement: Students should be capable of collecting and critically interpreting relevant data,
and of formulating independent judgements, including reflections on economic, social, scientific, and
ethical issues related to the use of natural resources in cultural heritage.
Communication Skills: Students are expected to develop the ability to clearly and effectively communicate
information, ideas, problems, and solutions to both specialist and non-specialist audiences.
Learning Skills: Students should acquire the learning skills necessary to undertake further studies with a
high degree of autonomy and critical awareness.