Syllabus

Geology 310
MWF 11:15–12:05

Mineralogy
T. Labotka

Fall 2014
223 EPS

MineralogyIntroduction to the concepts of crystal chemistry, x-ray diffraction, optical mineralogy, and geochemical analysis of the important rock-forming minerals. Laboratory includes hand-specimen, x-ray diffraction, and microscopic identification of minerals. Contact Hour Distribution: 3 hours lecture and one 2-hour lab.
SkillsIn this class, you will
  • Learn the principles of crystal structure, crystal chemistry, and mineral stability
  • Learn to identify the common rock-forming minerals
  • Learn the techniques of mineral identification and analysis
  • Learn to manipulate and analyze mineral data with the aid of computational techniques
  • Become familiar with research techniques and the mineralogical literature
  • Learn to communicate scientific concepts through written and on-line media
InstructorT. Labotka (tlabotka@utk.edu)
TextNesse, William D., Introduction to Mineralogy, second edition, Oxford
PrerequisiteChemistry 120—General Chemistry I
CorequisiteChemistry 130—General Chemistry II
RecommendedTwo Geology 100-level courses
GradingGrade = 30% Lab + 14% for each Exam + 14% Mineral Project +14% Homework
Grade Formula=IF(M2>89,"A",IF(M2>86,"A–",IF(M2>83,"B+",IF(M2>79,"B",
IF(M2>76,"B–",IF(M2>73,"C+",IF(M2>69,"C",
IF(M2>66,"C–",IF(M2>63,"D+",IF(M2>59,"D",
IF(M2>56,"D–","F")))))))))))
BlackboardGeology 310 - Mineralogy Fall 2014


DateLecture TopicsReading*
Aug 20 Welcome. Introduction to mineralogy 3–5
22 Abundance of the elements and a classification of silicate minerals 45
25 Atomic structure 39–44
27 The nature of the chemical bond. Covalent, ionic, and metallic models for bonding 46–56
29 Pauling's rules for stable ionic solids 57–63
Sep 1 Labor Day
3 CCP, NaCl, NiAs, sphalerite, and würzite structures 63–69
5 Crystallography 1-2-3: The elements of symmetry 6, 12–17
8 Point symmetry and point groups
10 Translation symmetry and space groups 6–12, 17–18
12 The unit cell and crystal axes; common crystal systems 19–38
15 Miller indices: A measure of the slopes of atomic planes
17 Exam I
19 Carbonate Minerals I: Isostructural compounds and ordering 326–340
22 Carbonate Minerals II: Polymorphism and solid solution
24 Stability of minerals—thermodynamics 74–76
26 Introduction to phase diagrams of minerals 82–83
29 Growth of minerals—kinetics 77–84
Oct 1 Nature of light and optics 114–116
3 Optics of isotropic media—Snell's law 116–122
6 Polarized light and anisotropic substances; uniaxial minerals 122–133
8 Optics of biaxial minerals 133–159
10 Generation and diffraction of x-rays 160–166
13 Identification of minerals by x-ray diffraction 166–168
15 X-ray diffraction: A tool for determining crystal structure notes
17 Fall Break
20 The chemical analysis of minerals and mineral formulas 169–174
22 Exam II
24 RFM I: Olivine 306–310
27 RFM II: Pyroxene 261–274
29 RFM III: Amphibole 277–290
31 RFM IV: Micas and other layered silicates 235–257
Nov 3 RFM V: Themes in silicate minerals 201–208
5 RFM VI: Feldspars 208–225
7 Minerals and temperature: The minerals in igneous, metamorphic, and sedimentary rock
10 Minerals in the Earth's interior notes
12 Planetary mineralogy notes
14 Clay mineralogy 252–257
17 Health effects of mineral dust 239–242
19 Environmental mineralogy
21 Numbers, numbers, numbers notes
24 Biomineralogy
26 Mineral Projects Due notes
28 Thanksgiving
Dec 1 Mineral Diversification notes
11 Exam III, 12:30
*Pages in the textbook or notes from class
Grade = 30% Lab + 14% for each Exam + 14% Mineral Project + 14% Homework
Text: Nesse, Introduction to Mineralogy
Lab Topics
Monday Thursday Exercise
Aug 21 No Lab
25 Lab 1. Introduction to the study of minerals
28 Lab 1. Introduction to the study of minerals
Sep 4 No Lab
8 Lab 2. Ionic bonding and closest packing
11 Lab 2. Ionic bonding and closest packing
15 Lab 3. Crystal chemistry of the alkali halides
18 Lab 3. Crystal chemistry of the alkali halides
22 Lab 4. Crystal symmetry: point groups and space groups
25 Lab 4. Crystal symmetry: point groups and space groups
29 Lab 6. Optics of isotropic substances
Oct 2 Lab 6. Optics of isotropic substances
6 Lab 7. Optics of uniaxial substances
9 Lab 7. Optics of uniaxial substances
13 No Lab
20 Lab 8. Optics of biaxial materials
23 Lab 8. Optics of biaxial materials
27 Lab 9. Pyroxene, amphibole, and feldspar
30 Lab 9. Pyroxene, amphibole, and feldspar
Nov 3 Lab 10. X-ray crystallography of alkali halides
6 Lab 10. X-ray crystallography of alkali halides
10 Lab 11. Identification of unknown minerals by x-ray diffraction
13 Lab 11. Identification of unknown minerals by x-ray diffraction
17 No Lab
20 Lab Final
24 Lab Final
Dec 1 No Lab


Geology 310 © Theodore C. Labotka 2014