Module GL3316: Crystalline Rocks

Contact hours & timing:

Module Learning Aims:

(1) To broaden and deepen the skills for identification and description of igneous and metamorphic rocks in hand specimen and thin section. (2) To provide an understanding of how igneous and metamorphic rocks are classified. (3) To develop an appreciation of how textural relationships amongst minerals can be used to infer the history of crystalline rocks.

Module Content:

In its first part, the module introduces the full variety of igneous rocks, including those that form from less common magmas. The rocks are approached on several scales: their tectonic environment, their local occurrence, in the hand specimen as well as under the microscope. In the second part, the main types of metamorphic rocks are introduced both in terms of the metamorphic environments as well as from the precursor rock perspective.

Learning outcomes:

On successful completion of this module students should be able to:
• correctly identify all major crystalline rocks and explain the petrogenetic importance of the various rocks
• independently provide a robust macroscopic and microscopic rock description and correctly interpret mineral textures
• describe how the chemistry of a rock dictates its mineralogy

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