Analytic mineralogy

Duration

30h Th, 15h Pr, 15h Labo.

Number of credits

Lecturer

Frédéric Hatert

Language(s) of instruction

English language

Organisation and examination

Teaching in the second semester

Schedule

Schedule online

Units courses prerequisite and corequisite

Prerequisite or corequisite units are presented within each program

Learning unit contents

Four theoretical parts may be distinguished. The first one concerns the interpretation of chemical analyses of minerals, mainly those performed with the electron microprobe. The second part deals with the X-ray diffraction: Nature of the X rays, interactions X-ray-crystals, the powder method. The third part concerns the identification of ore minerals under the microscope in reflected light. The last part concerns analyses of minerals by scanning electron microscopy.

Learning outcomes of the learning unit

In Mineralogy, identification of minerals is based both on the determination of the chemical composition and on the crystallographical analysis by X-ray diffraction. Consequently, the course gives to the student tools to properly interpret chemical data, and to understand the interaction of minerals with the X-ray beam. It gives also the basics of chemical analysis techniques based o electron microscopy (EDS, QEMSCAN, electron microprobe).

Prerequisite knowledge and skills

The elementary knowledge of geometric Crystallography and of Crystal Chemistry, teached during the course "Elements of Mineralogy and Petrography" of the 3rd year of bachelor, must be well understood (concept of periodic crystal lattice, point symmetry, substitution mechanisms, ...).

Planned learning activities and teaching methods

Practicals are: interpretation of chemical analyses of minerals and ores, observation of minerals in polarizing microscopy in reflected light, interpretation of EDS spectra, interpretation of X-ray powder diffraction patterns. Presence at the practicals is obligatory.

Mode of delivery (face to face, distance learning, hybrid learning)

Face-to-face learning. Some chapters may be managed via podcasts.
 
The course is in French, but slides are in English. Complete witten course in French, as well as slides in English, are accessible via the link below. The Professor can answer questions in English.

Organisational adjustments related to the current health context

Thin sections and macroscopy for practical exams. 

Recommended or required readings

Book to buy: F Hatert. Minéralogie: connaître et reconnaître les minéraux. Editions ellipses, Paris. Price 35 Euros.
Slides are available on the website (see below) 
 
 

Assessment methods and criteria

Below you will find information on the evaluation methods planned for in-person and remote exams as well as those planned for hybrid sessions. Depending on how the health crisis evolves, the chosen method will be communicated to you no later than one month before the start of the exam session.

The examination comprises a written part (chemical analyses, theoretical questions) and practical part (reflected light microscopy, EDS, diffraction).
No partial exemption is given.

Work placement(s)

None.

Organizational remarks

Laptops, tablets and mobile phones are forbidden. A pocket calculator is necessary for the course and the practicals.

Contacts

Professeur F. HATERT
Laboratoire de Minéralogie, Bât. B18.
Tél.: 04 366 24 43
fhatert@ulg.ac.be(fhatert@ulg.ac.be Assistant for workshops: Yannick Bruni )
Tél.: 04 366 33 95
yannick.bruni@student.ulg.ac.be

Items online