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| GEOL0005-3 | Crystallography and Mineralogy
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| Duration : | 30h Th, 90h Pr, 1d FW |
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| Holder(s) : | André‑Mathieu Fransolet |
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| Language : | Langue française |
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| Course contents : | The theoretical course is an introduction to Crystallography and Mineralogy. It comprises four main chapters:
I) Geometrical crystallography (Point symmetry - 7 crystal systems and 32 crystal classes - stereographic projection - crystal lattice).
II) Crystal chemistry (Coordination polyhedra - Isotypism - Isomorphism).
III) Descriptive mineralogy and mineral classification.
IV) Optical properties (Indice indicatrix - optical symmetry - Principles of the polarizing microscope - Observations in transmitted polarized light - Observations in reflected light). |
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| Course objective : | Mineralogy is a natural science comprising two basic concepts. The first one deals with the precise knowledge of the both chemical composition and the atomic structure, that caracterize each mineral species. The second concerns the signification of these mineral species in their geological milieu. Minerals are extremely sensitive to modifications of the physico-chemical environement, modifications that they undergo during the geological processes. Thus mineral assemblages which constitute the rocks are the memory of the geological history of these rocks, consequently of the Earth crust.
It is very important to acquire, at the beginning of the career path in Geology, an accurate knowledge of the concept of the mienral species. It is aslo fundamental to learn how to properly identify the minerals. |
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| Prerequisites : | The basic concepts of geometry, trigonometry, physics, and chemistry must be obviously well known. The vision in the three dimensions helps for the comprehension of several concepts in Crystallography. As Mineralogy is a natural science, one calls for the sense of observation, and for the ability to properly describe what is seen. |
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| Organization : | The theoretical course starts on the first monday of the first semester at 14h in the lecture room R122 of the building B18 (Geology, Mineralogy and Paleontology).
Attendance at tutorials is compulsory. |
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| Written notes : | Xerocopies of notes are available at the end of the first week of lectures. Other relevant documents are given during tutorials.
Among the numerous reference books available in the Library of earth Sciences (Building B6), the following textbooks are aprticularly recommended:
- Elements of Mineralogy Brian MASON & L.G. BERRY, Freeman and Company, 1968, 550 p.
- Mineralogy : Concepts and Principles Tibor ZOLTAI & James H. STOUT, Burgess Publishing Company, 1984, 505 p.
- Introduction to Optical Mineralogy William D. NESSE, Oxford University Press, 1986, 325 p.
- Essentials of Crystallography Duncan McKIE & Christine McKIE, Blackwell Scientific Publications, 1986, 437 p.
- Minéralogie Alain BARONNET, Géosciences Dunod, 1988, 184 p. |
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| Assessment : | Two written interrogations are organized, the first one in December dealing with Crystallography, the second one in March about the optical properties of the minerals.
The examination comprizes three parts : the oral part about the theory, the written part including exercices in geometrical crystallography, and the practical part consisting both in the identification of a mineral with the polarizing microscope and the rapid recognition of 15 minerals. |
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| Contacts : | Laboratory of Mineralogy - Building B18
Professor A.-M. Fransolet
Call: 04 366 22 06
e-mail: amfransolet@ulg.ac.be
Scientific attendance:
Mélanie RONDEUX, Assistant
Call: 04/366 20 36 - e-mail : m.rondeux@ulg.ac.be |
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