MINERALOGY AND ROCK CONSTITUENTS WITH LABORATORY

Module MINERALOGY AND ROCK CONSTITUENTS

Expected Learning Outcomes

The course aims to provide a basic understanding of the minerals that make up rocks and the factors that influence their formation and stability, a preliminary understanding of mineralogical data and specific terminology, and the skills to apply this knowledge to the recognition, analysis, and description of minerals of greatest geological and environmental interest, with a discussion of their economic importance.

Furthermore, with reference to the Dublin Descriptors, this course contributes to the acquisition of thefollowing skills:

Knowledge and understanding (Understanding the physical and chemical properties and processes of theEarth system): inductive and deductive reasoning skills; ability to schematize a natural phenomenon in terms ofscalar and vector physical quantities; ability to set up and solve a problem using appropriate spatialrelationships between recognizable geometric elements in a three-dimensional model representing an idealmineral, using graphical, analytical or numerical methods; ability to recognize simple geometric elements innatural mineral samples and/or three-dimensional models, and use scientific instruments to carry out simpleexperimental tests; ability to understand the physical characteristics of rock forming minerals.

Ability to apply knowledge (Materials analysis, field geology, and quantitative methods): ability to applyacquired knowledge to the description of minerals at mesoscopic and microscopic scales with the aid of apolarizing microscope, using the scientific method rigorously; ability to identify elements of symmetry in three-dimensional models; ability to represent mineral compositions on binary and ternary diagrams.

Independent judgement (Evaluation and interpretation of geological data, and uncertainty management): criticalthinking skills; ability to identify the most appropriate methods for critically analyzing, interpreting andprocessing experimental data; ability to assess the accuracy of measurements and the sensitivity andselectivity of the techniques used.

Communication skills (Effective communication of results to both specialist and non-specialist audiences,technical reports): ability to present scientific topics orally and/or in writing with appropriate linguistic precisionand to illustrate their rationale and results.

Learning skills: ability to read, understand and critically analyze scientific texts and topics with a particular focuson mineralogy; ability to independently learn new scientific topics in the field of Mineralogy that are necessaryfor further studies.

Information for students with disabilities and/or Specific Learning Difficulties (SLDs):

 Learning assessment may also be carried out on-line, should the conditions require it. To ensure equal opportunities and in compliance with current laws, interested students may request a personal interview in order to plan any compensatory and/or dispensatory measures based on educational objectives and specific needs. Students can also contact the CInAP (Centro per l’integrazione Attiva e Partecipata — Servizi per le Disabilità e/o i DSA) referring teacher within their department (https://www.cinap.unict.it/content/referenti)

Attendance at lectures and laboratory sessions will allow students to follow a consistent and informed path in the study of Mineralogy. Attendance is mandatory (https://www.dsbga.unict.it/it/corsi/l-34/regolamento-didattico)

If the course is taught in a blended or distance learning format, any necessary changes to the previously stated curriculum may be made in order to comply with the established program outlined in the syllabus.

Should the course be delivered via a hybrid or remote format, necessary adjustments to the previously stated arrangements may be introduced in order to adhere to the planned curriculum as outlined in the syllabus.

INTRODUCTION: The role of mineralogy in Earth Sciences. Review of key concepts in physics, mathematics, and chemistry. Definition of mineral. Crystalline and amorphous states. Concepts of isotropy and anisotropy. Melting and solidification of crystalline and amorphous solids. Composition of the Earth. Distribution of chemical elements in minerals and rocks.

DESCRIPTIVE MINERALOGY: Main scalar and vector physical properties. State of aggregation: aggregates, associations, twins. Crystal habit. MORPHOLOGICAL AND STRUCTURAL CRYSTALLOGRAPHY: Crystal morphology and symmetry. Fundamental laws of morphological crystallography. Miller indices. Simple and compound shapes. Point groups. Crystal groups and systems. Principles of structural crystallography: rows, lattice planes, and lattices. The 14 Bravais lattices. Notes on space groups. CRYSTAL CHEMISTRY: Chemical bonds in crystal structures. Atomic radius and ionic radius. Coordination of ions. Polyhedra and coordination numbers. Linus Pauling's rules. Crystal structure. Isomorphism and solid solutions. Crystal-chemical formulas. Crystallization of isomorphic mixtures: binary systems with partial and complete solid-state miscibility. MINEROGENES: Nucleation and growth. Magmatic, metamorphic, and sedimentary genesis. Mineral stability. Polymorphism. Types of polymorphism and principal polymorphic systems. SYSTEMATIC MINERALOGY: Classification of minerals. Silicates: classification and structural and compositional characteristics of the principal families and species. General characteristics and principal species of the following classes: carbonates, oxides, hydroxides, halides, sulfates, sulfides, native elements. Genesis, stability, and geological distribution of the principal minerals of petrographic-petrological interest. Notes on minerals of environmental and industrial interest. Occurrences of minerals in outcrops.

1. Mineralogia - Klein C. - Zanichelli Editore, 2004.

2. Introduzione ai minerali che costituiscono le rocce - William A. Deer, Robert A. Howie, Jack Zussman, G. Della Ventura, E. Paris – Zanichelli ed. 1994

Interim interview: to be held during the recess period. Final oral exam on the topics covered in class. Recognition of minerals and models of crystalline structures at the mesoscopic scale. Assessment may also be conducted online, if circumstances require.

Learning assessment may also be carried out on-line, should the conditions require it. To ensure equal opportunities and in compliance with current laws, interested students may request a personal interview in order to plan any compensatory and/or dispensatory measures based on educational objectives and specific needs. Students can also contact the CInAP (Centro per l’integrazione Attiva e Partecipata — Servizi per le Disabilità e/o i DSA) referring teacher within their department (https://www.cinap.unict.it/content/referenti)

Physical properties of minerals.

Properties of crystalline solids and amorphous solids.

Identify the crystalline structure represented in a mesoscopic model.

Chemical elements constituting minerals.

Structure and composition of pyroxenes.

Isomorphic mixtures: the example of olivines.

Polimorphism.Examples.

Phase diagrams: what are they for?