Petrography with Laboratory

Module Petrography

Acquisition of knowledge and understanding regarding petrogenetic processes, the criteria that led to rock classification, the acquisition of mineralogical and petrographic data, and their interpretation; acquisition of the technical language needed to determine the structural and compositional characteristics of rocks. Acquisition of the skills necessary to apply this knowledge to the identification, classification, and characterization of igneous, metamorphic, and sedimentary rocks.

In presence

Basic notions of mineralogy and general geology.

Attendance is not mandatory, but it is essential for students to acquire the skills necessary to achieve the course objectives.

Understanding petrogenetic processes, recognition and description of igneous, sedimentary, and metamorphic rocks. Rock description and classification. Representation and interpretation of geochemical data for rock petrographic characterization.

1) Introduction to Petrography;

2) The study of rocks: investigation methods;

- mesoscopic analyses

- microscopic analyses in thin sections: modal analysis

- chemical analyses: major, minor, and trace elements; analytical methods (XRF, ICP-MS, INAA); normative analyses;

- diffractometric analyses

3) Recall of the Earth's structure; continental and oceanic crust; the mantle;

4) Magma: viscosity, density, and temperature;

5) Minerals of igneous rocks

6) Structures of igneous rocks

7) Classification of igneous rocks:

- bedding classification: intrusive rocks; extrusive rocks; vein-like rocks

- mineralogical classification: AQPF diagram for intrusive rocks; classification diagrams for gabbroic rocks; classification diagrams for ultramafic rocks;

- chemical classification

8) Basic petrochemical concepts;

9) Notes on the evolution of magmas;

10) Main phase diagrams for igneous rocks;

11) Evolution of magmas;

12) Magmatic series;

13) Magmas and geodynamic environments;

14) Sedimentary rocks;

15) Basic chemical and physical concepts for the study of sedimentary rocks;

16) Rock disintegration; sediment transport; sedimentation; diagenesis;

17) Sedimentary environments;

18) Mechanical sedimentation, chemical sedimentation, and organogenic sedimentation;

19) Minerals of sedimentary rocks;

20) Psephitic rocks, psammitic rocks, and pelitic rocks;

21) Carbonate rocks

22) Evaporitic rocks;

23) Carbonaceous and bituminous rocks

24) The metamorphic process: introduction, factors, and mechanisms;

25) Structure of metamorphic rocks;

26) Concept of metamorphic facies;

27) Minerals of metamorphic rocks;

28) Prograde and retrograde metamorphism;

29) Nomenclature of metamorphic rocks

30) Metamorphic transformations in the main rock systems;

31) Types of metamorphism and geodynamic setting.

32) Anchimetamorphism;

33) Anathexis and the genesis of granitoid rocks;

34) Metamorphic facies;

35) Metamorphism of basic, pelitic, and carbonate rocks.

Le Maitre R.W. (2002): Igneous Rocks. A classification and Glossary of terms. Cambridge University Press, pp. 236.

L. Morbidelli (2014). Le rocce e i loro costituenti. Seconda edizione. Bardi Ed., Roma

Recognition, description and classification of igneous, metamorphic and sedimentary rock samples at mesoscopic and microscopic scales.

Discussion of phase diagrams; classification of the main igneous, sedimentary, and metamorphic rocks; metamorphic facies.