Advanced Mineralogy and Crystal Physics
A.Y. 2024/2025
Learning objectives
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The course will cover advanced topics in the field of the physical properties of minerals. An understanding of the mineralogical structure of crust and mantle and of the microscopic mechanisms underlying large-scale processes will be provided. Part of the course will be devoted to a presentation of physical properties of relevant minerals, such as elastic, magnetic, electrical, and radioactivity properties. In addition, both theoretical and experimental approaches used to determine such properties will be described. In particular, the course will address topics, such as equations of state, propagation of acoustic waves in crystals, anisotropy of physical properties. Experimental mineralogy techniques will include: methodologies for in-situ experiments and the use of synchrotron radiation.
The course will cover advanced topics in the field of the physical properties of minerals. An understanding of the mineralogical structure of crust and mantle and of the microscopic mechanisms underlying large-scale processes will be provided. Part of the course will be devoted to a presentation of physical properties of relevant minerals, such as elastic, magnetic, electrical, and radioactivity properties. In addition, both theoretical and experimental approaches used to determine such properties will be described. In particular, the course will address topics, such as equations of state, propagation of acoustic waves in crystals, anisotropy of physical properties. Experimental mineralogy techniques will include: methodologies for in-situ experiments and the use of synchrotron radiation.
Expected learning outcomes
Students will acquire the critical skills in the evaluation and use of minerals as indicators of the surface and internal dynamics of the planet. Furthermore, students will acquire the knowledge the main mineralogical analytical techniques and data analysis. The course contents will also be a fundamental basis for applications of mineralogical methodologies not only to the understanding of geological and planetary processes, but also to materials science.
Lesson period: Second semester
Assessment methods: Esame
Assessment result: voto verbalizzato in trentesimi
Single course
This course can be attended as a single course.
Course syllabus and organization
Single session
Lesson period
Second semester
Course syllabus
Summary about the characteristics of crystal structures. Crystal growth and aggregation. Vectors, matrices, tensors, with hands-on practice. Crystal symmetry and physical properties. Tensors of different ranks. Description of physical properties of monocrystals (density, thermal conductivity, thermal expansion, elastic properties, piezo- and pyro-electricity, magnetic properties).
Selected properties of polycrystals and aggregates (e.g. elastic properties, preferred orientation and microstructures), with practical examples.
Overview of selected methods aimed at studying physical properties in single crystals and aggregates (Diffraction-based, Imaging, elastic waves propagation).
The Lab part consists on the students familiarizing with Matlab, with basic programming routines and matrix operations. Plus a few examples relative to topics of interest: plotting data (peaks, tensors, etc.), basic data fitting/analysis, image processing, and machine learning.
Selected properties of polycrystals and aggregates (e.g. elastic properties, preferred orientation and microstructures), with practical examples.
Overview of selected methods aimed at studying physical properties in single crystals and aggregates (Diffraction-based, Imaging, elastic waves propagation).
The Lab part consists on the students familiarizing with Matlab, with basic programming routines and matrix operations. Plus a few examples relative to topics of interest: plotting data (peaks, tensors, etc.), basic data fitting/analysis, image processing, and machine learning.
Prerequisites for admission
The student is strongly advised to have a basic knowledge on the topic of Mineralogy.
Teaching methods
Frontal lectures (5 CFU, corresponding to 40 hours). Workshop learning (1 CFU, corresponding to 12 hours)
Teaching Resources
- Course slides
- Wenk, H.-R., and A. Bulakh. Minerals: their constitution and origin. Cambridge University Press, 2016. (selected parts)
- Nye, J.F. Physical Properties of Crystals. Their Representation by Tensors and Matrices. Oxford University Press, 1985. (selected parts)
- Wenk, H.-R., and A. Bulakh. Minerals: their constitution and origin. Cambridge University Press, 2016. (selected parts)
- Nye, J.F. Physical Properties of Crystals. Their Representation by Tensors and Matrices. Oxford University Press, 1985. (selected parts)
Assessment methods and Criteria
The final exam consists in a very brief oral discussion about the topics of the course, followed by a short presentation of the student about one of the topics of interest. Aim of the short presentation is: 1) To demonstrate the ability of doing a short research/practical work on a single topic relevant to Mineralogy, 2) To start developing skills in Science communication.
GEO/06 - MINERALOGY - University credits: 6
Practicals: 12 hours
Lessons: 40 hours
Lessons: 40 hours