ESC2102

Crystallography, optics and mineralogy

Dr David Lambert and Dr Ian Nicholls

4 points - 4 hours per week - Second semester - Clayton - Prohibition: ESC2022

Objectives On the completion of this subject students will be able to characterise the external form of crystals from the various crystal systems and identify minerals in hand specimen; understand the structural controls on the chemistry of minerals; understand the operation of the petrographic microscope and mineral identification in thin section.

Synopsis This subject deals with the external geometry and symmetry of crystals; crystal systems and classes; stereographic projection in crystallography; bonding and packing of atoms and ions in crystals; the common crystal structure types; structure controls on the chemistry of minerals. The transmission of light by crystals; the polarising microscope; study of the optical properties of common minerals and mineral identification. The physical structure and chemical compositions of common silicate and non-silicate mineral groups; some physical and chemical properties of minerals, and their response to changes in physical conditions.

Assessment Examinations (2 hours): 65% - Practical work/fieldwork: 35%

Prescribed texts

Gribble C D and Hall A J Optical mineralogy: Principles and practice UCL, 1992

Back to the 1999 Science Handbook