Petrography with Laboratory 1Module Laboratory of Petrography
Academic Year 2025/2026 - Teacher: EUGENIO FAZIOExpected Learning Outcomes
Course Structure
In-person (on-site). If the course is delivered in a blended or distance mode, the necessary variations to the above may be made to adhere to the syllabus.
Required Prerequisites
Attendance of Lessons
Detailed Course Content
Textbook Information
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.
Barker J. (1998) Introduction to metamorphic textures and microstructures. Blackie USA, Chapman & Hall.
| Author | Title | Publisher | Year | ISBN |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Klein C. & Philpotts A.R. | Mineralogia e petrografia | Geologia Zanichelli | 2018 | 978-88-08-32060-5 |
Course Planning
| Subjects | Text References | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Rock classification criteria. Recognition and description of igneous rock structures at the mesoscale. Mesoscopic recognition of the most common minerals. | all |
| 2 | Microscopic recognition and description of the main mineral structures and phases of intrusive igneous rocks. | |
| 3 | Microscopic recognition and description of the structures and major 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 (granodiorite, basalt). | |
| 6 | Microscopic description and IUGS classification of effusive igneous and pyroclastic rocks (phonolite, ignimbrite). | |
| 7 | Determination of the anorthic content of plagioclase on albite and albite-carlsbad geminates. Scheme of amphibole pleochroism. Preparation of petrographic report: hornblende gabbro. | |
| 8 | Microscopic petrography: hornblende dacite, mica syeno-granite. | |
| 9 | Microscopic petrography: andesite. Crystallisation relationships in porphyritic granitic rocks. Simplectites. | |
| 10 | Recognition, description and classification of intrusive and effusive igneous rocks. | |
| 11 | Classification and geochemical characterisation of igneous rocks. | |
| 12 | Sedimentary rocks. Major categories and their structures. Description and classification of terrigenous rocks on a mesoscopic scale. Microscopic petrography: sandstones and conglomerates. | |
| 13 | Description and classification of carbonate rocks at the meso- and microscale. Microscopic Petrography: Wackestone, Grainstone. | |
| 14 | Chemical and biochemical rocks. Description and mesoscopic classification of terrigenous, carbonate, chemical and biochemical rocks. | |
| 15 | Microscopic Petrography: Quartzarenite with Carbonate Cement, Grainstone. | |
| 16 | Mesoscopic description and classification of igneous and sedimentary rocks. | |
| 17 | Recognise and describe the structures of metamorphic rocks on the meso- and microscale. Identification of the most common minerals. | |
| 18 | Structural classification of metamorphic rocks and specific terms (SCMR). Microscopic Petrography: phyllite, granatiferous mica-schist. | |
| 19 | Microscopic Petrography: amphibolite, garnet-sillimanite gneiss. | |
| 20 | Microscopic Petrography: marble, augen gneiss, paragneiss. | |
| 21 | Recognition, description and classification of mesoscale metamorphic rocks. | |
| 22 | Microscopic Petrography: basic granulite, mylonite. | |
| 23 | Microscopic petrography: gabbro, amphibole schist, tonalite. | |
| 24 | Microscopic petrography: mela-gabbro, mylonite, arkose. | |
| 25 | Microscopic petrography: migmatite, monzogabbro, packstone. | |
| 26 | Mesoscopic recognition of igneous, sedimentary and metamorphic rocks. |
Learning Assessment
Learning Assessment Procedures
Identify, describe and classify igneous, metamorphic and sedimentary rock samples at mesoscopic and microscopic scales. Information for students with disabilities and/or DSA. To guarantee equal opportunities and in compliance with current legislation, interested students can request a personal interview to plan any compensatory and/or dispensatory measures based on the course objectives and specific needs. It is also possible to contact the CInAP (Centre for Active and Participatory Integration - Services for Disabilities and/or SLDs) reference teacher of the Department of Biological, Geological and Environmental Sciences, Prof. Giorgio De Guidi.
Examples of frequently asked questions and / or exercises
Identify, describe and classify igneous, metamorphic and sedimentary rock samples at mesoscopic and microscopic scales. Rock classification through the use of specific diagrams for different rock types.