Authorised by Academic Registrar, April 1996
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%