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Physical Geology (C-ID GEOL 100) and General Chemistry – 1^st semester (C-ID CHEM 110)

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The Mineralogy course must address all of the major categories listed below and at least 80% of the subtopics.

1) Crystallography

• Symmetry
• Crystal Growth
• Stereographic Projections
• Internal Structure
• Crystal Form
• X-Ray Diffraction
• Miller Indices
• Twinning and Other Structural Defects

2) Physical Properties of Minerals

3) Mineral Chemistry

• Bonding
• Coordination of Atoms
• Silicate Structures
• Geochemical Calculations
• Phase Diagrams
• Polymorphism/Pseudomorphism/Polytypism
• Zoning
• Mineral Analysis and Graphical Representation

4) Classification of Minerals

5) Description of Common Mineral Groups

6) Occurrence and Use of Minerals

1) Crystallography

• Determination of Symmetry
• Stereographic Projections
• Miller Indices
• X-Ray Diffraction

2) Physical Properties of Minerals

3) Identification of Silicate Minerals

4) Identification of Non-Silicate Minerals

5) Occurrence and Use of Minerals

6) Geochemical Calculations

7) Phase Diagram Exercises

8) Field Trips (optional)

At the conclusion of this course, the student should be able to:

1. Classify crystals into the different crystal systems
2. Describe the relationship among chemistry, internal structure and external appearance
3. Determine the physical properties of physical minerals.
4. Identify physical samples of minerals, especially common ore minerals and rock forming minerals
5. Describe the occurrence and use of minerals, especially economic and silicate minerals
6. Communicate complex course concepts effectively in writing and diagrams

Shall include multiple measures of performance that may include, but are not limited to:

• Quizzes
• Exams
• Written Assignments
• Research Assignments
• Laboratory Exercises and Reports
• Field Trip Reports

Introduction to Mineralogy (Oxford - Nesse)

Manual of Mineral Science (Wiley – Klein and Dutrow)

Mineralogy (Prentice Hall – Perkins)

Mineralogy and Optical Crystallography (MSA – Dyer, Gunter and Tasa)

Minerals:  Their Constitution and Origin (Cambridge – Wenk and Bulakh)

Lab Manual:

Minerals and Rocks:  Exercises in Crystal and Mineral Chemistry, Crystallogaphy, X-ray Powder Diffraction, Mineral and Rock Identification (Wiley – Klein)

Powder Diffraction, Mineral and Rock Identification (Wiley – Klein)