Mineralogy
Code: 101058Credits: 10
| Degree programme | Type | Course |
|---|---|---|
| Geology | OB | 2 |
Contact lecturer
- Name :
- Didac Navarro Ciurana
- Email :
- didac.navarro@uab.cat
Teaching staff
- Maria Mercè Corbella Cordomi
- Lluís Casas Duocastella
- Isaac Corral Calleja
Group languages
You can consult this information at the end of the document.
Prerequisites
Basic knowledge of Geology at an introductory level (first year of the Geology degree) is required, especially in Crystallography and Chemistry.
Objectives
- Understand the concept of a mineral, its classification, and the main geological processes responsible for its formation.
- Understand the relationship between crystal structure, chemical composition, and mineral stability, and how these determine their physical and optical properties.
- Know and apply the main mineralogical study techniques, including methods of compositional and structural analysis, as well as the calculation of structural formulas from chemical data.
- Describe and compare the main mineral groups from a systematic perspective, identifying their structural, compositional, and diagnostic properties.
- Use basic mineralogical terminology accurately to describe, interpret, and communicate mineralogical information appropriately.
- Apply mineral identification criteria in an integrated way to recognize and classify minerals in hand specimens, using physical and morphological properties.
- Be able to use the petrographic microscope to analyze and identify minerals in thin section based on their optical properties.
Learning outcomes
- CM19 (Analyse the challenges associated with obtaining critical minerals needed for energy transition, in order to propose and discuss possible solutions.) Analyse the challenges associated with obtaining critical minerals needed for energy transition, in order to propose and discuss possible solutions.
- KM24 (Identify the physical and chemical principles that condition the crystal structure of minerals.) Identify the physical and chemical principles that condition the crystal structure of minerals.
- KM25 (Interpret the relationship between the microscopic structure of minerals and the physicochemical properties shown by the rocks they form.) Interpret the relationship between the microscopic structure of minerals and the physicochemical properties shown by the rocks they form.
- KM26 (Describe the main techniques and instruments used in the investigation of crystal structures.) Describe the main techniques and instruments used in the investigation of crystal structures.
- KM27 (Identify the main current challenges related to the potential application of different geological materials.) Identify the main current challenges related to the potential application of different geological materials.
- SM22 (Use a petrographic microscope to identify geological materials taking into account the optical properties of the minerals that make up different types of rocks.) Use a petrographic microscope to identify geological materials taking into account the optical properties of the minerals that make up different types of rocks.
Contents
THEORY
THEORETICAL BLOCK 1: Physical properties and crystal structure of minerals
Topic 1. Introduction: Definition of a mineral. Economic importance. Mineral systematics. Classification and nomenclature of minerals. Mineral genesis. Formation environment.
Topic 2. Physical and morphological properties of minerals: Crystal growth. Crystal habit. Isomorphism and polymorphism. Crystal defects. Color, streak, luster. Cleavage and fracture. Hardness. Twinning. Luminescence. Piezoelectricity and pyroelectricity.
Topic 3. Crystal chemistry and internal structure of minerals: Chemical elements, bonding, atomic radius, coordination. Most important structural types in mineralogy. Pauling’s rules.
THEORETICAL BLOCK 2: Optical properties of minerals
Topic 4. Symmetry of properties and optical properties of minerals: Light and waves. Refractive index. Petrographic microscope. Polarization and birefringence. Optical indicatrix, uniaxial and biaxial crystals. Pleochroism.
THEORETICAL BLOCK 3: Analytical techniques and geochemistry of minerals
Topic 5. Analytical techniques: SEM (Scanning Electron Microscope), microprobe.
Topic 6. Mineral chemistry: Graphical representation of mineral composition. Determination of structural formula. Mineral stability. Solid solutions. Exsolutions.
THEORETICAL BLOCK 4: Systematic mineralogy I: non-silicates
Topic 7. Native elements
Topic 8. Sulfides and sulfosalts
Topic 9. Halides, oxides, and hydroxides
Topic 10. Carbonates and nitrates
Topic 11. Sulfates, borates, tungstates, molybdates, phosphates, arsenates, and vanadates
THEORETICAL BLOCK 5: Systematic mineralogy II: silicates
Topic 12. Silicates: Introduction and classification of silicates.
Topic 13. Tectosilicates: Structure and properties. Silica group, feldspars, feldspathoids, and zeolites.
Topic 14. Phyllosilicates: Structure and properties. Mica group, chlorites, and serpentines. Clay minerals.
Topic 15. Inosilicates: Pyroxenes, pyroxenoids, and amphiboles. Structure-derived properties.
Topic 16. Sorosilicates and cyclosilicates: Epidote group. Beryl, cordierite, and tourmaline.
Topic 17. Nesosilicates: Olivine group, garnet group, and aluminosilicates.
PRACTICALS
PRACTICAL BLOCK 1. Properties of minerals in hand specimen: Optical properties (color, patina, streak color, luster), mechanical properties (cleavage, hardness, density, tenacity), crystallographic properties (form, habit, twinning, aggregates), and special properties (magnetism, feel, radioactivity, and luminescence).
PRACTICAL BLOCK 2. Identification of minerals in hand specimen: Minerals with metallic, semi-metallic, and vitreous luster. Alteration minerals.
PRACTICAL BLOCK 3. Properties of minerals under transmitted light microscopy: Plane-polarized light (color, pleochroism, form, habit, cleavage, fractures, alterations), cross-polarized light (isotropy/anisotropy, interference colors, extinction, twinning, zoning, exsolutions), and conoscopic light (interference figures and optical sign).
PRACTICAL BLOCK 4. Identification of minerals under transmitted light microscopy: Carbonates, sulfates, and halides. Tectosilicates. Phyllosilicates. Inosilicates. Nesosilicates. Accessory minerals.
FIELDWORK
A one-day field trip will be carried out in outcrops and waste dumps of inactive mines. Recognition of the geological and lithological characteristics of the area. Identification of mineralizations and their relationship with geological structures. Recognition of metallic and vitreous minerals in hand specimen, as well as associated supergene alterations. Identification of the paragenetic sequence and its relationship with the geological history of the area.
Learning activities and methodology
| Title | Hours | ECTS | Learning outcomes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Group tutory | 7 | 0.28 | KM24, KM25, KM26, SM22 |
| Study and tasks | 147 | 5.88 | CM19, KM24, KM25, KM26, KM27, SM22 |
| Practical classes | 38 | 1.52 | KM24, KM25, SM22 |
| Theoretical classes | 39 | 1.56 | CM19, KM24, KM25, KM26, KM27 |
| Field work | 7 | 0.28 | CM19, KM27 |
The course methodology consists of:
- Theoretical classes lasting 50 minutes. These provide the basic concepts of the course syllabus through lectures, as well as the necessary information for students to understand the content. The teaching staff will provide the graphical materials used in class via the Virtual Campus.
- Practical classes lasting 110 minutes in the Microscopy Laboratory (C2/-160.1). The practical sessions are divided into four blocks: two initial blocks focused on the recognition of minerals in hand specimens based on their properties, and two final blocks focused on the use of transmitted light microscopy for the identification of the main rock-forming minerals. The teaching staff will provide a practical handbook, identification tables, and presentations on the Virtual Campus to facilitate learning.
- One-day field trip to recognize minerals and mineral associations in nature and to understand their genesis.
- Group tutorials, which provide a space for support and monitoring of the theoretical contents of the course, aimed at resolving doubts and consolidating key concepts, both in person and online. Regarding practical sessions, one-hour in-person tutorial sessions will be held for each practical block in the microscopy classroom, aimed at reinforcing the recognition of minerals in hand specimen and thin section, as well as preparing for practical assessments.
- Independent student work. Various problems, exercises, and online tests will be provided, along with visual materials (e.g., a mobile application for viewing minerals under the microscope, Minescope) to support autonomous learning.
Note: 15 minutes of a class session, within the schedule established by the faculty/degree program, will be allocated for students to complete surveys evaluating the teaching performance and the course/module.
Assessment
Continuous assessment activities
| Title | Weight | Hours | ECTS | Learning outcomes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Practical Exams (4 + field exam) | 50% of the final mark | 5 | 0.2 | CM19, KM24, KM25, KM27, SM22 |
| Theoretical exams: 3 parts | 45% of the final mark | 6 | 0.24 | CM19, KM24, KM25, KM26, KM27 |
| Continuous assessment (short in-class tests) | 5% of the final mark | 1 | 0.04 | CM19, KM24, KM25, KM26, KM27 |
Assessment of the course is carried out separately for theoretical, practical, and field components, with the aim of evaluating both the acquisition of knowledge and the development of skills and competencies in the identification, interpretation, and analysis of minerals in different contexts.
CONTINUOUS ASSESSMENT
Theory (45%): Three midterm exams will be held, which may be retaken or improved. A minimum grade of 3.5 out of 10 must be obtained in each theoretical exam in order to calculate the average. The distribution of topics and the weight of each exam is as follows:
- 1st exam: Topics 1 to 4 (Theoretical Blocks 1 and 2). 30% of the theory grade.
- 2nd exam: Topics 5 to 11 (Theoretical Blocks 3 and 4). 40% of the theory grade.
- 3rd exam: Topics 12 to 17 (Theoretical Block 5). 30% of the theory grade.
Resit or grade improvement exams will take place on the date established in the Faculty schedule. If the resit grade is lower than the original exam grade, the final mark will be calculated as the average of both. If the resit grade is higher, it will replace the previous grade.
Continuous assessment activities (5%): Short tests of approximately 5 minutes will be carried out during theoretical lectures. These tests will be conducted randomly throughout the course. A minimum average grade of 3.5 out of 10 across all tests is required in order to be included in the overall average.
This component cannot be retaken or reassessed, according to Faculty regulations.
Practicals (50%): Four exams will be held at the end of each practical block. A minimum grade of 3.5 out of 10 must be obtained in each practical and field exam in order to calculate the average. The distribution and weighting are as follows:
- 1st exam: Practical Block 1 (Properties of minerals in hand specimen). 10% of the practical grade.
- 2nd exam: Practical Block 2 (Identification of minerals in hand specimen). 30% of the practical grade.
- 3rd exam: Practical Block 3 (Properties of minerals under transmitted light microscopy). 15% of the practical grade.
- 4th exam: Practical Block 4 (Identification of minerals under transmitted light microscopy). 35% of the practical grade.
Fieldwork: One exam will be held at the end of the field trip. It accounts for 10% and will be averaged together with the laboratory practicals.
Resit or grade improvement exams for practical and field components will take place on the date established in the Faculty schedule. If the resit grade is lower than the original exam grade, the final mark will be calculated as the average of both. If the resit grade is higher, it will replace the previous grade.
The final course grade will be calculated as the weighted average of theory (45%), continuous assessment (5%), and practicals and fieldwork combined (50%). A minimum average grade of 5 out of 10 is required to pass the course. Attendance at the field trip and at least 80% of practical sessions is mandatory.
SINGLE ASSESSMENT
If the student opts for single assessment (following the procedure and deadlines set by the Faculty), a single exam will be held consisting of: a theory test (50%), a practical test involving mineral identification in hand specimen and under the microscope with oral assessment (40%), and a field exam (10%). The date of this exam will coincide with the last theoretical midterm exam. Attendance at the field trip and at least 80% of practical sessions is mandatory.
The same resit system applies as in continuous assessment. Review of the final grade follows the same procedure as in continuous assessment.
NOT ASSESSED
If a student has completed at most 33% of the assessments and withdraws, the final grade will be recorded as NOT ASSESSED.
USE OF AI
The use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) technologies is not permitted at any stage of this course. Any work that includes AI-generated content will be considered a breach of academic integrity and may result in partial or total loss of marks for the assignment, or more severe penalties in serious cases.
Bibliography
Highly Recommended Books
KLEIN, C., HURLBUT, C.S. (1999). Manual de Mineralogía: Basado en la obra de J.D. Dana (Cuarta edición). Wiley. Description: Highly recommended book, simple and comprehensive, for the theoretical part of the subject. It consists of 2 volumes. The first volume is very suitable to complement Units 1 to 6. The second volume is ideal for complementing the topics of Block 3 \"Systematic Description of Minerals\" (Units 7 to 14). It includes good descriptions of hand specimen minerals and the classification used is very up-to-date. The fourth edition in Spanish should be used, as some older editions have translation errors.
MACKENZIE, W.S., GIILFORD, C. (1980). Atlas of rock forming minerals in thin section. Harlow, Essex: Longman. Description: A classic in the identification of minerals under transmitted light microscopy. This book has many photographs and little text.
MATA, J.M. (1988). Guia d'identificació de minerals. Parcir. Manresa. Description: This book offers systematic tables for mineral identification. This guide includes photographs of minerals found in the field. It does not contain photographs of spectacular crystals, as most mineralogical guides do, since it aims to help students identify minerals as they are commonly found in nature.
Recommended Books
BLOSS, F.D. (1994). Introducción a los métodos de Cristalografía óptica. Omega. 4. Description: This book was written specifically for students beginning the study of optical crystallography. There are no advanced technical descriptions, but you can find a complete and simple presentation of the basic techniques for determining the optical constants of crystals, using the transmitted light microscope and immersion methods.
DEER, W.A., HOWIE, R.A., ZUSSMAN, J. (1992). An introduction to the rock forming minerals. 2nd ed. Longman Scientific & Technical. Description: A general book that includes detailed descriptions of the most important rock-forming minerals. Although there is no version in Catalan or Spanish, the English version is simple and understandable.
EHLERS, E.G. (1987). Optical mineralogy. Palo Alto (Calif.): Blackwell Scientific. Description: A very good book on optical mineralogy, highly recommended for Unit 5 of the theoretical part and for mineral identification practices using transmitted light microscopy (Blocks 3 and 4 of practices). There is no version in Catalan or Spanish.
PUTNIS, A. (1992). An Introduction to Mineral Science. Cambridge University Press. Description: This book, in English, provides an introduction to modern mineralogy for university students, as well as to mineral crystal physics and chemistry.
WENK, H-R., BULAKH, A. (2003). Minerals. Their Constitution and Origin. Cambridge University Press. Description: This book, in English, is recommended for students as it covers a wide range of topics, from mineral classification and crystal structures to mineral physics and how they form in the natural environment. It places much emphasis on linking minerals with major geological processes.
Advanced Level Books
MELGAREJO, J.C. (1997). Atles d’associacions minerals en làmina prima. Barcelona: Edicions Universitat de Barcelona: Fundació Folch. Description: An advanced level book on the identification of minerals under transmitted light optical microscopy. The first part presents introductory chapters summarizing the most important mineral groups and the most relevant geological environments in which they are found. The second part contains identification sheets for hundreds of minerals, only a portion of which are covered in the course.
Highly Recommended Websites
DA MOMMIO, A. Alex Strekeisen. [Accessed: June 11, 2024]. Available at: https://www.alexstrekeisen.it/english/index.php Description: A website designed for geology, mineralogy, and petrology students. There are a variety of photographs of minerals under optical microscopy. Minerals are presented according to the most common rock type in which they are found. Very educational and illustrative.
GIL-CRESPO, P.P. Atlas de Mineralogía Óptica. [Accessed: June 11, 2024]. Available at: https://www.ehu.eus/mineralogiaoptica/ Description: A website primarily aimed at mineralogy students, presenting supplementary teaching material for optical crystallography and mineralogy practices. There are microphotographs, videos, and 3D models. Highly recommended for blocks 3 and 4 of the practices.
GRUP MINERALÓGIC CATALÀ. MinerAtlas. [Accessed: June 10, 2024]. Available at: https://mineratlas.com/ Description: It's a geographic database (mostly of Catalonia) that allows you to locate the position of various mineral deposits. This website serves as a reference for conducting independent field trips outside of academic activities to identify and recognize minerals in the field.
RALPH, J., CHAU, I. Mineralogy database. [Accessed: June 10, 2024]. Available at: http://www.mindat.org/ Description: A very complete mineral database, with optical properties, photographs, mineral forms, chemical composition, crystal structures, locations, references, etc.
BARTHELMY,D. Mineralogy database. [Accessed: June 10, 2024]. Available at: https://webmineral.com/ Description: Website with mineral descriptions, crystal structures, and chemical analyses.
IMA. International Mineralogical Association Database of Mineral Properties. [Accessed: June 10, 2024]. Available at: https://rruff.info/ima/ Description: IMA website where nomenclatures and classifications of over 6000 rock-forming minerals can be downloaded in PDF format.
PERROUD, P. Athena Mineral database. [Accessed: June 10, 2024]. Available at: https://athena.unige.ch/athena/mineral/mineral.html Description: Website with a detailed images showcasing a wide array of minerals, offering a valuable resource for enthusiasts, researchers, and students alike.
Mobile Applications
ROQUET, M., ARASANZ, R. Minescope. [Accessed: June 10, 2024]. Available at: https://play.google.com/store/search?q=minescope&c=apps&hl=es Description: A mobile or tablet application featuring sequences of images showcasing minerals in thin section, observed through a petrographic microscope. This app encompasses the most common rock-forming minerals studied in mineralogy. Experience simulated rotation of the microscope stage and engage in interactive mineral identification by selecting their optical properties. Highly recommended for mineralogy students.
Social Networks
ALEXSTRECKEISEN. Instagram. [Accessed: June 11, 2024]. Available at: https://www.instagram.com/alexstrekeisen/ Description: This profile features a multitude of microphotographs showcasing various minerals studied in mineralogy practices. It's an ideal resource for testing your ability to identify mineral properties under optical microscopy.
Software
No specific software is necessary.
Course groups and languages
The information provided is provisional until November 30. After this date, you will be able to consult the language of each group through this link. To access the information, you will need to enter the course CODE
| Type of teaching | Group | Language | Semester | Shift |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| (TE) Theory | 1 | Catalan | annual | morning-mixed |
| (PLAB) Practical laboratories | 1 | Catalan | annual | morning-mixed |
| (PCAM) Field practices | 1 | Catalan | annual | morning-mixed |
| (PCAMs) Suport a les pràctiques de camp dirigides | 1 | Catalan | annual | morning-mixed |
| (PLAB) Practical laboratories | 2 | Catalan | annual | morning-mixed |
| (PCAM) Field practices | 2 | Catalan | annual | morning-mixed |
| (PLAB) Practical laboratories | 3 | Catalan | annual | morning-mixed |