The Mineralogy course aims to study minerals and their role in Earth Sciences. The topics here considered are related to the mineral structure, the bond types and their influence over the physical properties, the mineral species. Then, some analytical techniques (optical microscopy and X-Ray powder diffraction) it will be considered. Attention will be paid in particular to silicate minerals to the major constituents of the rocks.
The course includes lectures and exercises (laboratory).

Knowledge and understanding.
The student will acquire the basic knowledge of the characteristics of the rocks forming minerals, and of the processes that lead to the formation of minerals in the various geological contexts. To achieve this goal, we will use theoretical lessons in the classroom and also practical activities in laboratories aimed at the microscopic recognition of minerals in thin section, and as macroscopic one.

Ability to apply Knowledge and Understanding.
The laboratory activities carried out both individually and in groups, will serve to put into practice the theoretical knowledge acquired in the classroom. The determination of symmetries on models, or the recognition of minerals through X-Ray powder diffraction and the use of the microscope will allow the student to apply the knowledge learned and understand the importance of physical properties in the formation of minerals.

Autonomy of judgment.
The autonomy of judgment can be developed in the arrangement and re-elaboration of the lecture notes and laboratory. In this way the student will be able to assimilate what has been explained and will allow him to review and deepen the topics covered.

Communication skills.
Lectures and laboratory activities will be carried out by stimulating the students to interact with the teacher, in order to improve the ability to formulate questions and answer arguments.

Learning ability.
What has been learned by the student during the lessons in the classroom and in the laboratory, will allow him to identify in a natural geological context, in reference to specific problems, which mineralogical elements need to be investigated. Learning skills will be reflected in the different assessment methods provided.

Prerequisite is knowledge of chemistry, physics and mathematics.

Module 1 1. Lattice crystallography. 2. Morphological crystallography. 3. Exercises : morphological study of crystals. 4. Chemical Crystallography. 5. Exercises: calculation of the crystal chemical formula of minerals. 6. Structural Crystallography. 7. Exercises : identification of minerals from a X-Ray powder spectrum. 8. Systematic of silicates. Module 2 1. Systematic mineralogy and macroscopic identification of minerals. 2. Optical Crystallography. 3. Use of the microscope for minerals identification in thin rocks sections.

1. Cornelis Klein: Mineralogia. ZANICHELLI.

Module 1 (6 credits): 1. Lattice Crystallography. Symmetry in crystals: translation, rotation and reflection. The Bravais lattices. The seven symmetry systems, the 32 point groups of symmetry. Glide axes and plain, the 230 space groups. 2. Morphological Crystallography. Crystal growth, associations and twins. Dihedral angle measurements between pairs of faces. Hauy law, Miller indices. Stereographic projection. Description of the 32 classes of symmetry. 3. Exercises: morphological study of crystals, through the identification of the symmetry and the projection of the simple forms present with the aid of the Wulff net. 4. Chemical Crystallography. The bonds in the minerals: ionic, covalent, metallic and Van der Walls. Ionic radii, coordination polyhedron, Pauling rules. Close-packed arrangement of spheres and main structural types with simple stoichiometry. Isomorphism and polymorphism. Physical properties of minerals. 5. Exercises: calculation of the crystal chemical formula of minerals from chemical analysis and vice versa, 6. Structural Crystallography. X-rays interacting with matter, Bragg's law, reciprocal lattice, sphere of reflection intensity of the diffracted beams. X-ray spectrum (continuous and characteristic), diffraction effects, the powder method. 7. Exercises: identification of minerals from a powder spectrum using the Hanawalt Manual. 8. Systematic silicates with particular attention to the fundamental constituents of the rocks. Module 2 (3 credits): 1. Systematic mineralogy and the macroscopic recognition of minerals. 2. Optical Crystallography. 3. The use of the mineralogical microscope for minerals identification.

Lectures in the classroom, group exercises in the classroom and in the microscope laboratory for the use of the microscope and in the Museum of Mineralogy and Petrography for the identification of minerals.
Any changes to the methods described here, which become necessary to ensure the application of the safety protocols related to the COVID19 emergency, will be communicated on the Department, Study Program and teaching website.

Detailed information such as programs, texts, Power Point presentations of the lessons are available on the MOODLE website of the course.

To acquire the credits, students must pass an exam which consists of two practical tests and a final oral test. The practice tests cover the Module 2, while the oral test concerns the contents of the lectures (Module 1). The frequency of the lectures and laboratory exercises is strongly suggested. Any changes to the methods described here, which become necessary to ensure the application of the safety protocols related to the COVID19 emergency, will be communicated on the Department, Study Program and teaching website.

This course explores topics closely related to one or more goals of the United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development (SDGs)