Geol 321 Essentials of Mineralogy

&

Geol 322 Determinative Methods in Mineralogy

 - Dr Bob Reynolds

[ Syllabus | Schedule | Assignments ]

Catalog descriptions: 

Geol 321: Crystal chemistry, mineral structures, relationship between structure and physical properties, systematic of important rock-forming, ore and alteration minerals. Prereq: GEOL 311, coreq: CH 222. 2 credits

Geol 322:  Principles of optical mineralogy, use of the petrographic microscope to identify minerals; introduction to x-ray diffraction; use of powder diffractometry in mineral identification. Prereq: GEOL 311, coreq: CH 222. 3 credits

Instructor: Dr. Bob Reynolds

Lecture:     M & W: 4 -5:50 PM                              Lab: 3 hrs TBA

Office:  Ochoco 237             Phone: 383-7557       E-mail: breynolds@cocc.edu

Office hours:  M & W: 11 – 11:50 AM, R: 3 – 3:50 PM

Text: Mineralogy  by Perkins

                These courses will cover the scientific study of some of the most important chemical compounds found in the solar system: minerals.  Minerals have long been known as valuable natural resources to industry and for their great beauty as gem “stones”.  Less well known is the role of minerals as “history books” of the Earth and the solar system.  Regardless of the application, a fundamental understanding of the physics and chemistry of minerals is necessary.  The first course, Geol 321, will place considerable emphasis on understanding what minerals are, how they are put together and the fundamental controls on mineral formation and growth. The second course, Geol 322, we will take examine optical techniques of mineral identification and analysis using the petrographic microscope.  Prerequisites for these courses include one quarter each of physical chemistry, physical geology and college algebra. You will also benefit if you have basic computer skills.  Upon successful completion of these courses you should be able to:

1. Explain what a mineral is and is not.
2. Identify a variety of mineral morphologies and their causes.
3. Understand the major elements of crystal structure including symmetry elements, point and space groups.
4. Understand the major component of crystal chemistry including ions, bonding, mineral classification, mineral formulas.
5. Explain how minerals form and the major mineral formation environments including mineral stability diagrams
6. Identify in hand specimen 75 different minerals.
7. Explain the behavior of light through minerals.
8. Use a petrographic microscope to identify 25 different minerals in thin section and grain mounts using various techniques including Becke line test, sign of elongation, pleochroism, interference figures

                Lab activities will be conducted weekly in Ochoco 210.  The purpose of the lab is to help you understand and apply the concepts developed in lecture.  Each lab will begin with a brief intro­duction.  The remainder of the lab will be devoted to working on your lab assignment.  In order for me to grade and return your assignments quickly, lab assignments must be completed and turned in before you leave the lab, therefore, I do not accept late assignments.

Grading.  The grade that you earn for each course will be based upon the scores you receive in the categories listed below.  Each course will be graded independently with the exception of the mineral term paper which will be shared equally between the courses.  Each exam will be comprehensive and include material from both lecture and the text. All exams and quizes are “closed book” which means that you may only use the information stored in your brain to complete a test.  You cannot use notes, texts, or another student to assist you, nor can you assist another student in completing their exam.  I consider all of these to be cheating offenses and you will receive a score of “0” for the exam.  In addition, you must take the exams on the designated date and time.  If you miss an exam you will get a “0” for that test.  In the event of an emergency (or if you have special testing requirements) you should contact me ahead of time. In the rare case that a late exam or quiz is permitted, there will be a mandatory 10 percent deduction.

                The grade that you earn will be based upon the scores you receive in the categories listed below.  Final grades will be assigned as follows: A = 93-100%, A- = 90-92%, B+ = 87-89%,  B = 83-86%, B- = 80-82%, C+ = 77-79%, C = 70-76%,  D = 60-69%, F < 60%.

Copyright, 1997 Bob Reynolds.
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Last updated: March 06, 1997.