Courses: GEOV103 Introduction to Mineralogy and Petrography - Autumn 2017




Credits

10.0

Objectives and Content

Most sediments, rocks and ores consist of minerals with different structures, compositions and physical properties. Minerals are important archives of information concerning the formation of rocks and their subsequent evolution. The aim of this course is to impart knowledge about the chemical and physical properties, mode of occurrence and exploitation of minerals, provide experience in the identification of common minerals and rocks and give an insight into the usefulness of mineralogy in geological and geophysical interpretations. The course will review mineral structures and mineral stability, including polymorphism, isomorphism, solid solution, exsolution and mineral reactions in different geological regimes. The optical, magnetic and other physical properties of minerals will be explained and there will be an introduction to the key skill of mineral identification. The chemical compositions of the most common rock- and ore-forming minerals, their occurrence and uses as raw materials will be dealt descried systematically. The mineralogical classification of common igneous, metamorphic and sedimentary rocks will also be explained.

Learning Outcomes

On completion of the course a student should be able to:

- Explain the causes of the principal physical properties of minerals

- Give an account of the basic structure and composition of the most important rock-forming minerals

- Interpret simple phase diagrams that are relevant for the formation and stability of minerals

- Reproduce and employ the IUGS classification of igneous rocks

- Carry out simple mineral chemical calculations

- Describe and recognise the most common minerals and rocks in hand specimens

Grading Scale

The grading scale used is A to F. Grade A is the highest passing grade in the grading scale, grade F is a fail.