The course aims to provide basic knowledge on the origins, environments and processes that produce igneous and metamorphic rocks and their connection with geodynamic settings. The laboratory activities supply the structural, textural and mineralogical criteria for the identification and classification of igneous and metamorphic rocks on hand-sized samples and in thin section under the polarizing microscope.
Knowledge and understanding
Upon completion of the course, the student will have acquired the basic knowledge of the petrogenetic processes forming magmatic and metamorphic rocks and the relationship with different geologic environments.
Ability to apply knowledge and understanding
Upon completion of the course, the student will be able to merge theoretical knowledge and practical laboratory experience in order to know how to classify magmatic and metamorphic rocks on hand-sized samples and under the polarizing microscope and relate them to the processes and conditions of formation.
Communication skills
The student will have to be able to present the acquired knowledge with clarity, organicity and language properties using appropriate terminologies, both in the oral exam and in the written elaboration of laboratory test.
Learning ability
Upon completion of the course the student will have acquired the fundamental knowledge of how to deal with petrological issues in advanced study courses.

knowledge of Mineralogy

MODULE 1 (A. De Min) : Igneous Petrography (3CFU) and Laboratory (2CFU): The structure of the Earth (the upper crust, the lower crust, the mantle and the core). Phase diagrams and the fractional crystallization (concept of a magmatic suite). General information about the oceanic, arc and intra plate magmatism; The CIPW normative mineral phases. The alkaline and sub-alkaline magmatic suites. Classification of the principal igneous rock types. Laboratory: petrographic exercitations on thin sections and macroscopic samples of igneous rocks.
MODULE 2 (Ziberna) : Metamorphic Petrography and Laboratory (2CFU) : Definition, P-T conditions and agents of metamorphism. Types of metamorphism and relationship with geologic setting. Concepts of thermal gradient, metamorphic grade, isograd, index minerals, metamorphic zone and facies; metamorphic facies series and connection with thermal gradients and geotectonic setting. Structures and micro-structures. Criteria for the classification of metamorphic rocks and nomenclature. Diagnostic mineral assemblages for different facies and protoliths. Laboratory: practical activities on identification and classification of metamorphic rocks on hand-sized samples and thin section under the polarizing microscope.
Field work activity.

-Lecture notes
-Morbidelli L. (2005) - Le rocce e lori costituenti, Bardi Editore.
-Peccerillo A. & Perugini D. (2003)- Introduzione alla petrografia ottica, Morlacchi editore.
-MacKenzie W.S., Donaldson C.H. & Guilford C. (2003) - Atlante delle rocce magmatiche e delle loro tessiture, Zanichelli Editore
-Yardley B.W.D., MacKenzie W.S. & Guilford C. (1992) - Atlante delle rocce metamorfiche e delle loro microstrutture, Zanichelli Editore
-Deer W.A., Howie R.A., Zussman J., - An introduction to the rock-forming minerals, Longman group Ed

MODULE 1 (A. De Min). Igneous Petrography: The Earth (upper crust, lower crust, mantle and core). The main felsic and mafic minerals (a refresh). Acid, basic, ultra-basic, mafic and ultramafic rocks. Phase diagrams. Major elements and CIPW normative phases. The diagram of Yoder&Tilley, the diagram of De La Roches, information about the fractional crystallization and the concept of magmatic suite. The Sub alkaline (Tholeiitic and calk-alkaline) suites and their main formational environment. The AFM diagram and the Peacock index. The alkaline (Na and K) suites and the Na vs. K diagrams. The Streckeisen classification (pros and cons). The T.A.S. (total alkali silica) classification; the agpaitic index and the peralkaline rocks. Classification of rare igneous rock types; generalities. Optical classification by polarized light microscope of the igneous rock types and of their main fabric and textures. The alteration processes and their effects on the whole rock geochemistry. Laboratory: Petrographic exercitations on thin sections and macroscopic samples of igneous rocks. MODULE 2 (Ziberna). Metamorphic Petrography. Metamorphism: definition, P-T conditions and agents (temperature, uniform and deviatoric stress, fluid phases; the role of protolith composition). Metamorphic reactions, notes on geothermobarometry. Types of metamorphism and relation with thermal gradients, geologic extent and setting. Local extent (contact, fault-zone) and regional metamorphism (orogenic, burial and subduction, ocean-floor). Structures and micro-structures of rocks, relation to different types of metamorphism; time relationship between mineral growth and deformation (pre-, syn-, post-kinematic minerals). Concepts of thermal gradient, metamorphic grade, isograd and index minerals, metamorphic zone and facies, facies series. Relationship among facies series, thermal gradients and tectonic settings. Diagnostic mineral assemblages for different facies and protoliths. Criteria of rock classification and nomenclature. Laboratory: practical activities on identification and classification of metamorphic rocks on hand-sized samples and in thin section under the polarizing microscope.

direct lessons

Laboratory activity. Laboratory teaching tools: microscope camera connected to a monitor.

Field Trip (1CFU)

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The final exam is divided into two parts.
Igneous Petrography (MODULE 1; De Min): 1) laboratory test: classification of two igneous rocks in thin section under the polarizing microscope; 2) oral test
Metamorphic petrography (MODULE 2; Ziberna): 1) laboratory test: short written report on the classification of a metamorphic rock in thin section under the polarizing microscope; 2) oral test:
The final grade is the mean of the evaluations obtained in the two modules.