GE408 Mineralogy and Petrography

Contents and structure

The course introduces crystallography and details mineral structure and mineral chemistry. The course also focuses on systematic mineralogy and mineral genesis, as well as the physical properties of minerals and how these are used in mineral classification. The petrography part concentrates on the mineral classification of magmatic and metamorphic rocks in addition to a mineralogical/chemical classification of magmatic rocks, and a classification of the most common sediment rocks. Special focus is put on the composition and identification of rocks occurring in the Sogn og Fjordane region of Vestland county, macroscopically using hand pieces and binocular, and microscopically using thin sections.

Learning Outcome

The students should:

• be able to describe and identify common minerals and rocks in hand pieces
• know about different identification methods of minerals and rocks
• have knowledge on formation and occurrences of minerals and rocks
• be able to perform mineralogical classification of rocks

The students should be able to

• independantly perform a classification of rocks and minerals in the field
• confirm their field analyses using microscopic and macroscopic investigations in the laboratory

The students should have sufficient knowledge on minerals and rocks to enable them to perform a first hand identification in field and laboratory and to swiftly build up competence within mineral and rock oriented jobs.

Entry requirements

None

Recommended previous knowledge

The course builds upon GE406 Basic geology

Teaching methods

Lectures, exercises, laboratory, and a two day excursion including group work

Compulsory learning activities

• 10 exercises in crystallography and mineralogy - laboratory report
  • 4 hours crystallography
  • 6 hours mineralogy and mineral chemistry
• 2 exercises in petrography - laboratory report
  • 14 hours rock identification and rock classification in laboratory and microscope
  • 4 hours group work for elaboration of an excursion guide

• 15 minutes oral presentation of the rocks at the excursion locations of the single groups as presented in the excursion guide

Assessment

Written examination under supervision, 4 hours

Grading A-F, with F corresponding to "Not passed"

Examination support material

Non-programmable pocket calculator, colour pencils, ruler, eraser.

More about examination support material