Petrography
A.Y. 2025/2026
Learning objectives
The main objectives of the course are to provide the principles of magmatism and metamorphism, and to provide the basis for the recognition and classification of igneous and metamorphic rocks using textural and mineralogical parameters at the macroscopic scale on hand samples.
Expected learning outcomes
At the end of the course the student should know the principles of petrogenesis of igneous and metamorphic rocks and recognize hand samples of the main lithologies.
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
Petrogenesis: Composition and physical properties of the solid Earth. Pressure and temperature distribution within the Earth. General outline of igneous and metamorphic rocks.
Igneous petrology. Classification of igneous rocks. Chemical and physical characters of the magma: density, temperature, viscosity and volatile content. Effusive and intrusive igneous bodies. Introduction to thermodynamics. Binary and ternary phase diagrams. Equilibrium versus fractional crystallization and melting in silicatic systems. Geochemistry of major, trace elements and isotopes. Origin and evolution of magma. Magmatic series and geodynamic environment.
Metamorphic petrology. Metamorphic processes; temperature, pressure, deformation; the role of fluids. The protoliths of metamorphic rocks. Metamorphic grade and metamorphic facies. Types of metamorphism and geodynamic environment. Metamorphic transformations: metamorphic reactions and textural transformations. Classification of metamorphic rocks.
Practicals:
Identification of major igneous and metamorphic rocks at the macroscale (hand samples)
Igneous petrology. Classification of igneous rocks. Chemical and physical characters of the magma: density, temperature, viscosity and volatile content. Effusive and intrusive igneous bodies. Introduction to thermodynamics. Binary and ternary phase diagrams. Equilibrium versus fractional crystallization and melting in silicatic systems. Geochemistry of major, trace elements and isotopes. Origin and evolution of magma. Magmatic series and geodynamic environment.
Metamorphic petrology. Metamorphic processes; temperature, pressure, deformation; the role of fluids. The protoliths of metamorphic rocks. Metamorphic grade and metamorphic facies. Types of metamorphism and geodynamic environment. Metamorphic transformations: metamorphic reactions and textural transformations. Classification of metamorphic rocks.
Practicals:
Identification of major igneous and metamorphic rocks at the macroscale (hand samples)
Prerequisites for admission
Principles of inorganic chemistry and mineralogy of rock forming minerals are mandatory requirements. In order to take the Petrography exam, it is mandatory to have taken the Mineralogy exam (Manifesto degli Studi, compulsory preparatory courses).
Teaching methods
Lectures and practicals. Attendance at the practicals is mandatory.
Teaching Resources
The lecture slides are available on the Ariel website.
Suggested textbook:
C. Klein and A. Philpotts Earth Materials: Introduction to Mineralogy and Petrology" - second edition - Cambridge University Press
Suggested textbook:
C. Klein and A. Philpotts Earth Materials: Introduction to Mineralogy and Petrology" - second edition - Cambridge University Press
Assessment methods and Criteria
The exam will consist of:
- a practical test involving the description and identification of two rock samples (rock test);
- an oral exam, which may be taken only after successfully passing the rock test.
It is possible to register for the rock test only; if passed, it will remain valid for one calendar year. Please note that in order to access the oral exam, it is necessary to have passed the practical rock test.
The description and classification of the two lithotypes are intended to assess practical skills in observing and recognizing igneous and metamorphic rocks and their textures, using correct and appropriate terminology consistent with the stated objective.
The questions in the oral exam are designed to assess the acquisition of basic petrology concepts related to the study of magmatic and metamorphic petrogenetic processes, and thus the achievement of the course learning objectives.
The final vote is expressed out of thirty.
- a practical test involving the description and identification of two rock samples (rock test);
- an oral exam, which may be taken only after successfully passing the rock test.
It is possible to register for the rock test only; if passed, it will remain valid for one calendar year. Please note that in order to access the oral exam, it is necessary to have passed the practical rock test.
The description and classification of the two lithotypes are intended to assess practical skills in observing and recognizing igneous and metamorphic rocks and their textures, using correct and appropriate terminology consistent with the stated objective.
The questions in the oral exam are designed to assess the acquisition of basic petrology concepts related to the study of magmatic and metamorphic petrogenetic processes, and thus the achievement of the course learning objectives.
The final vote is expressed out of thirty.
GEO/07 - PETROLOGY AND PETROGRAPHY - University credits: 6
Practicals with elements of theory: 12 hours
Lessons: 40 hours
Lessons: 40 hours
Professors:
Borghini Giulio, Fumagalli Patrizia
Shifts:
Professor:
Fumagalli Patrizia
Turno 1
Professor:
Borghini GiulioTurno 2
Professor:
Borghini GiulioTurno 3
Professor:
Borghini GiulioTurno 4
Professor:
Borghini GiulioProfessor(s)
Reception:
Wednesday at 10-11 am
via Botticelli 23, second floor
Reception:
Monday-Friday with appointment
Via Botticelli 23 - office first floor