Description

Crystallography: crystal structure - periodicity and symmetry - 7 crystal systems - planes and directions

Mineralogy: classification of rock-forming minerals - silicate minerals (classification, structures, properties and recognition criteria) – physical and optical properties - principle of polarizing microscope

Magmatic petrology: classifications, textures, mineralogy, chemistry, notion of magmatic series, deposits.

Metamorphic petrology: classifications, textures, mineralogy, notion of metamorphic zones and facies.

Compétences visées

The aim of this course is to introduce crystallography, mineralogy and petrology. 

We will present the basic data which are essential for the understanding and the recognition of rock-forming minerals and, more particularly, silicate minerals (classifications, structures, properties and recognition criteria). The objective is for students to be able to recognize the main silicate minerals, macroscopically and in thin sections under the microscope.

In this course students will also study magmatic and metamorphic rocks (classifications, origin, formation processes...) and will be able to give a reasoned diagnosis of the sample macroscopically and in thin sections.

AT THE END OF THIS COURSE, THE STUDENT WILL BE ABLE TO:

- Use basic knowledge of crystallography and mineralogy to identify the main silicate minerals macroscopically and in thin sections.

- Use magmatic and metamorphic rock classifications

- Use basic knowledge in mineralogy and petrography to identify the main magmatic and metamorphic rocks macroscopically and in thin sections.

Disciplines

• Géographie physique, humaine, économique et régionale