MINERALOGY AND ROCK CONSTITUENTS WITH LABORATORY 1

Module LABORATORY OF MINERALOGY AND ROCK CONSTITUENTS

The course aims to provide students with adequate knowledge of the rock-forming minerals and their properties. It also aims to train students in the application of this knowledge. A focus will be made to practical techniques and procedures for identifying the most common minerals. Skills: become familiar with the polarizing microscope and understand how it works. Learn how to read and interpret mineral optical charts. Understand the fundamental analytical techniques for identifying the chemical and physical characteristics of minerals. Recognize morphological elements, including symmetry elements configuration, from observation of three-dimensional crystal models. Be able to make thin section observations in order to recognize the main rocks forming minerals.

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

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

Ability to apply knowledge (Materials analysis, field  geology, and quantitative methods): ability to apply acquired knowledge to the description of minerals at mesoscopic and microscopic scales with the aid of a polarizing 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): critical thinking skills; ability to identify the most appropriate methods for critically analyzing, interpreting and processing experimental data; ability to assess the accuracy of measurements and the sensitivity and selectivity 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 precision and to illustrate their rationale and results.

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

Teaching will be carried out through participatory lessons and laboratory activities. These will include the use of a polarizing microscope to study minerals in thin sections, three-dimensional models representing the various crystal systems and multimedia technologies (such as immersive virtual 3D models), practical exercises on the mesoscale identification of minerals using simple tools.

Basic knowledge of mathematics, chemistry and physics.

Mandatory, in accordance with the Degree Programme regulations (https://www.dsbga.unict.it/it/corsi/l-34/presentazione-del-corso)

If the course is taught using blended or distance learning methods, changes may be made to the above to comply with the scheduled lessons set out in the syllabus.

• Presentation of the topics to be covered during the course.
• Review of fundamental concepts in physics, chemistry, and mathematics.
• Crystal groups and crystal systems, including translations, rotations and inversions, symmetry operators (center, axes and planes), and their recognition on three-dimensional models. Also covered are Hauy's law and the indexing of directions and faces in various crystal systems, and the identification of symmetry classes. Introduction to stereographic projections.
• Shape, habit, color, cleavage traces, possible birefringence, surface alterations, possible twinning, fractures, streak and reactions with diluted hydrochloric acid. Estimation of hardness, specific weight and density.
• Interactions between crystalline solids and polarized light; birefringence; the polarized light microscope (its parts and how it works); polaroid filters; Snell's law; the refractive index; an overview of optical phenomena and the laws of geometric optics.
• An overview of creating thin rock sections and making microscopic observations in parallel light with a polarizer only (color, pleochroism, cleavage traces, relief, shape, size, alterations and inclusions), and with crossed polarizers (interference colors, extinction type, extinction angles, possible compositional zoning and twinning). Observations in convergent light will also be covered (interference figures and optical behavior).
• Introduction to X-rays and their applications in Mineralogy.
• Overview of the occurrence of minerals in nature, with particular reference to those found in Sicily. Surface mineral occurrences (outcropping minerals).

1. Mineralogia - Klein C. - Zanichelli Editore, 2004.
   
2. Mineralogia 1 - (Carobbi) Fondamenti di cristallografia e ottica cristallografica - Mazzi F. e Bernardini G.P. - USES Ed. Scientifiche Firenze, 1971.
   
3. Guide to thin section microscopy - M.M. Raith, P. Raase, J. Reinhardt, 2nd edition, 2012.
   
4. Introduzione ai minerali che costituiscono le rocce - William A. Deer, Robert A. Howie, Jack Zussman, G. Della Ventura, E. Paris – Zanichelli ed. 1994.
   

An ongoing exam (oral and practical) will be held during the break in classes, as per the calendar. The ongoing exam will cover the topics covered in the first part of the  course.

An oral examination is aimed at ascertaining the knowledge of the topics covered in the course, along with: 1) a practical test aimed at the mesoscopic identification of the most common minerals in rocks by evaluating morphological characteristics and physical properties present in the sample by hand; 2) a practical test under a polarized light optical microscope aimed at the identification of the main minerals that constitute the igneous, sedimentary, and metamorphic rocks from the Department's teaching collection and the accurate and appropriate presentation of the conclusions based on the observations made; 3) a practical test aimed at the recognition of elements of symmetry (inversion centers, planes of symmetry, rotation axes) in 3D models to trace the relative group and crystal system, and the indexing of faces in 3D models.

Assessment of learning can also be carried out online, should the conditions require it. To ensure equal opportunities and in compliance with current laws, interested students can request a personal interview in order to plan any compensatory and/or dispensatory measures, based on educational objectives and specific needs. It is also possible to contact the CInAP (Center for Active and Participated Integration - Services for Disabilities and/or DSA) through the reference Professor (prof. Lanzafame) of our Department (https://www.cinap.unict.it/content/referenti).

Recognize elements of symmetry by a visual examination of a 3D model.

Recognize and describe optical indicatrices.

Recognize optically isotropic and anisotropic minerals.

Identify a mineral based on its physical properties.

Estimate the relief of minerals using the Becke line method.

Obtain the pleochroism pattern through observations under a polarizing microscope.

Measure extinction angles relevant to the microscopic recognition of minerals.

Determine the optical sign of minerals.

Recognize the main minerals in thin sections.