Mineralogy Applied to Cultural Heritage
A.Y. 2026/2027
Learning objectives
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.
Expected learning outcomes
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.
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.
Lesson period: Second semester
Assessment methods: Esame
Assessment result: voto verbalizzato in trentesimi
Single course
This course can be attended as a single course.
Course syllabus and organization
Single session
Responsible
Lesson period
Second semester
In the event of an emergency requiring remote teaching, lectures will be delivered either synchronously via live streaming on MS Teams or asynchronously through study materials accompanied by the instructor's audio commentary
Course syllabus
Introduction and definitions: natural resource, geo-resource, mineral deposit.
Mineral resources throughout history: a technological, economic, and social catalyst.
The mining cycle: exploration, evaluation, extraction, and beneficiation (or mineral processing).
Social, environmental, and economic impact of mining in antiquity.
Evolution of extraction and mineral processing techniques throughout history.
Main modern analytical techniques for the control and characterization of geo-resources.
Metallic minerals: special focus on iron, copper, tin, and zinc.
Industrial minerals: special focus on aggregates, sulfur, and feldspars.
Historical cements and mortars: evolution of construction materials and their processing.
Glass: from production to analysis.
Geo-resources for energy production (hydrocarbons).
Case studies of historical mining sites.
Current Italian legislation regulating the mining sector.
Clay minerals: physical, chemical, and structural properties; economic and historical importance.
Ceramics: production, use, importance, and historical evolution.
Degradation of natural materials exposed to atmospheric agents: main types of weathering.
Recovery, mines, and archaeological sites: how abandoned sites can become open-air museums.
Mineral resources throughout history: a technological, economic, and social catalyst.
The mining cycle: exploration, evaluation, extraction, and beneficiation (or mineral processing).
Social, environmental, and economic impact of mining in antiquity.
Evolution of extraction and mineral processing techniques throughout history.
Main modern analytical techniques for the control and characterization of geo-resources.
Metallic minerals: special focus on iron, copper, tin, and zinc.
Industrial minerals: special focus on aggregates, sulfur, and feldspars.
Historical cements and mortars: evolution of construction materials and their processing.
Glass: from production to analysis.
Geo-resources for energy production (hydrocarbons).
Case studies of historical mining sites.
Current Italian legislation regulating the mining sector.
Clay minerals: physical, chemical, and structural properties; economic and historical importance.
Ceramics: production, use, importance, and historical evolution.
Degradation of natural materials exposed to atmospheric agents: main types of weathering.
Recovery, mines, and archaeological sites: how abandoned sites can become open-air museums.
Prerequisites for admission
A basic knowledge of chemistry and mineralogy is required
Teaching methods
Teaching methods: Traditional lectures and technical-practical laboratory activities. Attendance policy: Highly recommended.
Teaching Resources
Course materials (slides, lecture notes) provided by the instructors and uploaded to the Ariel platform and/or Microsoft Teams.
Assessment methods and Criteria
Ecco la traduzione adatta per un syllabus o una guida accademica:
Examination format: Written and/or oral assessment. Evaluation will be based not only on the depth of theoretical knowledge and the precision and accuracy of the terminology used, but also on the ability to apply critical reasoning to a given problem or case study. Grading is based on a scale of 30, ranging from 18/30 to 30/30 cum laude
Examination format: Written and/or oral assessment. Evaluation will be based not only on the depth of theoretical knowledge and the precision and accuracy of the terminology used, but also on the ability to apply critical reasoning to a given problem or case study. Grading is based on a scale of 30, ranging from 18/30 to 30/30 cum laude
GEO/09 - MINING RESOURCES, MINERALOGIC AND PETROGRAPHIC APPLICATIONS FOR THE ENVIRONMENT AND FOR CULTURAL HERITAGE - University credits: 6
Lessons: 48 hours
Professors:
Comboni Davide, Voltolini Marco
Professor(s)
Reception:
10am-12am
Earth Science Department "A. Desio", Via Sandro Botticelli 23, second floor