Module GL3318: Mineralogy

Contact hours & timing:

Module Learning Aims:

This module aims to consolidate and extend the skills in using the polarized light microscope developed in the Senior Freshman year, and to reinforce knowledge of the rock forming minerals.  It also aims to enlarge knowledge of the chemistry and appearance of hand specimen minerals.

Module Content:

The module develops the use of the polarizing microscope including use of conoscopic illumination and other techniques for distinguishing between common rock-forming minerals in thin section. It deals with the crystal chemistry, stability and occurrence of these minerals. It introduces a wide range of other minerals in hand specimen, along with their chemistry and economic value.

Learning outcomes:

On successful completion of this module students should be able to:

• make observations in orthoscopic and conoscopic light, to rectify misaligned components of a polarizing microscope, obtaining optimal illumination
• identify the major rock-forming minerals in hand specimen and thin section, and state their chemistry, crystal structure, and geological occurrence
• identify hand specimens of many additional minerals, and state their chemistry, occurrence, and economic uses.

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