Crystallography, optics and mineralogy
Not included in BSc schedule as an approved science subject
Dr David Lambert and Professor Ian Nicholls
4 points * 4.5 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
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