Geol.728 Advanced Techniques in rocks/minerals identification (3 C.H)
Course objectives
This laboratory course will introduce the students to the theory and practice of optical microscopy, ore microscopy and scanning electron microscopy (SEM); classification and identification of igneous, metamorphic and sedimentary rocks in hand specimen and thin section; and interpretation of rock textures and mineral assemblages.
Course content
Introduction to polarizing and ore microscopy; Techniques of optical, ore and scanning electron microscopy and their applications in the identification of rock/minerals, ore phases and opaque minerals. Optical properties of opaque and non-opaque minerals in plane polarized light and under crossed nicol. Identification of minerals including metallic under reflected light; description of optical properties of common rock forming minerals. Identification of common rock textures including igneous, metamorphic and sedimentary. Identification and evaluation of ore forming minerals using SEM.
Outcomes
This course will enable students to identify common rocks and their constituent minerals in hand specimen and thin section. Further, the students will understand the rock classification schemes. The student will also be able to characterize and evaluate rocks, minerals and ores using microscopic techniques.
Recommended Books
- An introduction to Igneous and Metamorphic Petrology by Winter, J.D., 2nd ed. Prentice Hall, New York, USA, 2010.
- Atlas of Rock Forming Minerals in Thin Section by Mackenzie, W. S. and Guilford. C., Routledge, London, UK, 2013.
- Minerals in Thin Section by Perkins, D., and Henke, K., 2nd ed., Prentice Hall, New Jersey, USA, 2004.
- A color guide to the petrography of carbonate rocks: grains, textures, porosity, diagenesis by Scholle, P.A. and Ulmer-Scholle, D.S., American Association of Petroleum Geologists, Tulsa, USA, 2003.
- SEM Petrology Atlas by Welton, J.E., The American Association of Petroleum Geologists, Tulsa, USA, 2003.