PETROGRAPHY WITH LABORATORY 2Module PETROGRAPHY LABORATORY
Academic Year 2026/2027 - Teacher: PATRIZIA FIANNACCAExpected Learning Outcomes
Knowledge and understanding
Acquisition of knowledge and understanding of mineralogical–petrographic data and technical terminology, aimed at determining the structural and compositional features of igneous, metamorphic, and sedimentary rocks.
Applying knowledge and understanding
Ability to recognize and describe, using appropriate scientific terminology, the main mineralogical and structural characteristics of igneous, metamorphic, and sedimentary rocks. Ability to correctly classify the examined samples and to formulate interpretations regarding their origin and formation environment.
Making judgements
Ability to integrate observations from macroscopic to microscopic scale and to critically evaluate available data in order to select the most appropriate criteria for the classification and petrogenetic interpretation of rock samples.
Communication skills
Ability to describe and discuss the structural and compositional features of rocks using correct technical–scientific language. Ability to prepare laboratory reports and to present collected data clearly and effectively.
Learning skills
Ability to independently apply petrographic observation and classification methods, and to deepen their knowledge through the use of petrographic atlases, digital resources, and specialized scientific literature.
Course Structure
The course combines interactive teaching with practical laboratory activities, which include the observation and description of hand specimens and thin sections, at the polarising microscope, of igneous, metamorphic and sedimentary rocks
Should teaching be carried out in mixed mode or remotely, it might be necessary to introduce changes with respect to previous statements, in line with the programme planned and outlined in the syllabus.
Required Prerequisites
Attendance of Lessons
Detailed Course Content
Hand sample and thin section identification and description of the structural and mineralogical features of the main magmatic, metamorphic and sedimentary rocks. Characterization and classification of the main magmatic, metamorphic and sedimentary rocks through the elaboration of structural and mineralogical data.
Textbook Information
Atlases
Raith M.M., Raase P. & Reinhardt J. (2011): Guide to Thin Section Microscopy. Michael M. Raith, Peter Raase & Jürgen Reinhardt. e-book
Pichler H. & Schmitt-Riegraf C. (1997): Rock-forming minerals in thin sections. Chapman & Hall, pp. 220.
Vernon R.H. (2004): A practical guide to rock microstructure. Cambridge, pp. 594.
Classification
Le Maitre R.W. (2002): Igneous Rocks. A classification and Glossary of terms. Cambridge University Press, pp. 236.
Fettes D. & Desmons J. (2007): Metamorphic rocks: A Classification and Glossary terms. Cambridge, pp. 244.
LINKS
www.whitman.edu/geology/winter
www.bgs.ac.uk/SCMR/products.html
| Author | Title | Publisher | Year | ISBN |
|---|
Course Planning
| Subjects | Text References | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Rock classification criteria. Identification and description of igneous rock structures at the mesoscale. Hand sample identification of the most common magmatic minerals. | |
| 2 | Microscopic identification and description of the main structures and mineral phases of intrusive igneous rocks. | |
| 3 | Microscopic identification and description of the main structures and mineral phases of effusive igneous rocks. | |
| 4 | Description and IUGS classification of intrusive rocks at the mesoscopic scale. | |
| 5 | Description and IUGS classification of volcanic and pyroclastic rocks at the mesoscopic scale. Description and IUGS classification of intrusive and effusive rocks at the microscopic scale | |
| 6 | Microscopic petrography: magmatic rocks. Writing a petrographic report | |
| 7 | Microscopic petrography: magmatic rocks. Crystallization relationships in porphyritic granitoid rocks. Symplectites. | |
| 8 | Identification, description and classification of intrusive and effusive igneous rocks. | |
| 9 | Sedimentary rocks. Major categories and their structures. Description and classification of terrigenous rocks at the mesoscopic scale. Microscopic petrography: terrigeneous rocks | |
| 10 | Description and classification of carbonate rocks at the meso- and microscale. Microscopic Petrography: carbonate rocks | |
| 11 | Chemical and biochemical rocks. Description and mesoscopic classification of terrigenous, carbonate, chemical and biochemical rocks. | |
| 12 | Microscopic petrography: magmatic and sedimentary rocks | |
| 13 | Identification and description of the structures of metamorphic rocks at the meso- and microscale. Identification of the most common minerals | |
| 14 | Classification of metamorphic rocks and specific terms (SCMR). Microscopic petrography: metapelitic rocks | |
| 15 | Microscopic petrography: metapelitic rocks | |
| 16 | Microscopic petrography: metabasic rocks | |
| 17 | Identification, description and classification of metamorphic rocks at the mesoscale | |
| 18 | Microscopic petrography: metabasic rocks | |
| 19 | Microscopic petrography: metacarbonates, orthogneiss, mylonites | |
| 20 | Microscopic petrography: magmatic, sedimentary and metamorphic rocks | |
| 21 | Hand sample petrography: magmatic, sedimentary and metamorphic rocks | |
| 22 | Field trip to the Peloritani Mountains |