Gemology
A.Y. 2024/2025
Learning objectives
The course offers a broad introduction on (i) the mineralogy and genesis of gem-quality minerals and (ii) the main physical and optical techniques used in the gems characterisation.
Expected learning outcomes
Participants will acquire skills on gems mineralogy and genesis and will be able to identify and characterise them by means of physical and optical techniques
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
Responsible
Lesson period
Second semester
Course syllabus
1) Introduction to Gemology; 2) Definition of the gem (natural gem, synthetic gem, imitation) and their fundamental properties; 3) Systematic gemology: the gems with the highest market value; 4) Mineralogical properties of gems; 5) Physical properties of gems (color; transparency; weight; optical properties); 6) Genesis and deposits of gems; 7) Analytical methodologies for gems characterization: conventional analytical techniques and synchrotron radiation; 8) Diamond and its classification; 9) from minerals to gems: quartz, corundum, beryl, tourmaline, garnets, and their gem varieties; 10) Gems as resources: economic value and their use in art.
Prerequisites for admission
Basic knowledge of Chemistry and Mineralogy
Teaching methods
Lecturing; assignment of scientific real research studies where the students will be engaged in discussing the research problem; on line and off line tests to verify the acquired competences; visiting to a gemmological laboratory
Teaching Resources
Lecture notes on Ariel
Book: Peter G. Read, Gemmology, Butterworth-Heinemann, 2005, 324 pp (ISBN 978-0719803611)
Book: Peter G. Read, Gemmology, Butterworth-Heinemann, 2005, 324 pp (ISBN 978-0719803611)
Assessment methods and Criteria
The oral examination will be considered and the examiner will pose questions to the students in spoken form. Evaluation criteria: ability to organize and present the acquired knowledge, ability to solve a scientific problem, consistency and rigourousness of the adopted lexis, consistency and accuracy of the acquired knowledge.
Oral test: n. 1
Evaluation: the oral test score (from 18/30 to 30/30 cum laude) will be published through SIFA
Oral test: n. 1
Evaluation: the oral test score (from 18/30 to 30/30 cum laude) will be published through SIFA
GEO/06 - MINERALOGY - University credits: 3
GEO/09 - MINING RESOURCES, MINERALOGIC AND PETROGRAPHIC APPLICATIONS FOR THE ENVIRONMENT AND FOR CULTURAL HERITAGE - University credits: 3
GEO/09 - MINING RESOURCES, MINERALOGIC AND PETROGRAPHIC APPLICATIONS FOR THE ENVIRONMENT AND FOR CULTURAL HERITAGE - University credits: 3
Lessons: 48 hours
Professors:
Lotti Paolo, Marinoni Nicoletta
Shifts:
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