Learning objectives
Learn the basics in preparation for the analysis of rocks and minerals of the techniques and applications of use in industrial and environmental
Prerequisites
basics in mineralogy
Course unit content
You will learn the techniques of analysis of minerals in relation to the environment and other application areas; we will also illustrate the main issues concerning the world of cements, gems, ceramics, and medical mineralogy.
Full programme
Program
Part I: methods for the analysis of minerals.(knowledge and understanding, learning skills)
X. The diffraction in crystals, Laue and Bragg equations. Powder diffraction: principles and use (the identification of minerals). The diffractometer: Debye geometry and Bragg-Brentano. The Rietveld method and the quantitative analysis of minerals. Single crystal diffraction: the reciprocal lattice and the reflection sphere. Diffraction intensity and structure factor.
Electron microscopy and microanalysis: limits of optical microscopy and principles of transmission electron microscopy. Electron microprobe and fluorescence. ZAF corrections and analytical problems.
Spectroscopic methods: IR and Raman spectroscopy.
Part II: Environmental Mineralogy.(knowledge and understanding, learning skills, applying knowledge and understanding)
Applications of the techniques of analysis of minerals in issues relating to cement, gems and environment. Applications on planetary geology.
(applying knowledge and understanding, making judgements) Exercises, on each section of the course, will be performed.
Bibliography
Ppt slides and demonstrations are available through the Elly facility.
Reference text:
Wenk and Bulakh (2004) Minerals, their constitution and origin. Cambridge university press.
Teaching methods
Lessons and class demonstration. Visit to laboratories and exercices in application of the studied methods will be performed during demonstrations.
Assessment methods and criteria
oral test
Other information
Frequency recommended
