91556 - Mineral Science

Learning outcomes

The aim of this course is to provide detailed knowledge on physical, chemical, mechanical properties and characterization of mineral raw materials. The course examines in-depth aspects of mineralogy, crystal-chemistry, crystallography, advanced thermodynamics, and solid state physics related to minerals of primary and secondary sources. The course also deals with classical characterization methods to understand the basics of physical-chemical, thermodynamic, reaction kinetics and mechanical properties of mineral raw materials. The aim of this course is to provide detailed knowledge on physical, chemical, mechanical properties and characterization of mineral raw materials. This module will also provide classical laboratory sessions that through captivating specific discussions, fostered by updated literature review on selected papers, will provide the students practical and critical knowledge, analysis and review of mineral raw materials. Finally, student working groups on specific experimental laboratory sessions on themes related to mineral raw materials will offer the students mutual interaction, knowledge share and cross-thinking.

Course contents

INTRODUCTION TO THE COURSE

NOTES OF CRYSTALLOGRAPHY AND REVIEW OF SYSTEMATIC MINERALOGY

ANISOTROPY AND PHYSICAL PROPERTIES OF MINERALS

MINERAL THERMODYNAMICS I

MINERAL CHARACTERIZATION METHODS

MINERAL THERMODYNAMICS II

KINETICS OF MINERAL PROCESSES

MINERAL MECHANICS

COMPUTATIONAL MINERALOGY LABORATORY

Readings/Bibliography

Putnis A. Introduction to Mineral Sciences, Cambridge University Press.

Klein C., Hurlbut C.S. Manual of Mineralogy, John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

G. Valdrè, U.Valdrè. Misure e Complementi di Fisica, CLUEB Bologna

Velde B. (1992) Introduction to Clay Minerals, Chapman & Hall.

Atkins P.W. (1994) Physical Chemistry. Oxford University Press.

Anderson O.L. (1995) Equations of State of Solids for Geophysics and Ceramic Science, Oxford University Press.

Redox-reactive minerals: Properties, reactions and applications in natural systems and clean technologies. EMU Notes in Mineralogy 17, Ed. Ahmed I.A.M and Hudson-Edwars K.A. (2017).

CRYSTAL17 Manual, http://www.crystal.unito.it/Manuals/crystal17.pdf

Nesse, W. Optical Mineralogy, Oxford University Press.

Goldstein et al. Scanning Electron Microscopy and X-Ray Microanalysis, Springer.

Williams D.B. and Carter C.B. Transmission Electron Microscopy, Springer.

Meyer E. et al. Scanning probe microscopy, Springer.

Teaching methods

General, theoretical and practical mineral science aspects are explained during the lessons.

The course includes practicals in class and in laboratory. The training has the aim to give the student practical tools to understand and characterise the most common mineral science materials.

Specific teaching labs sessions will be used for the microstructural characterization and understanding of mineral science based materials.

Considering the type of activities and the adopted teaching methods, the students of this course are required to attend the e-learning Modules 1 and 2 [https://www.unibo.it/it/servizi-e-opportunita/salute-e-assistenza/salute-e-sicurezza/sicurezza-e-salute-nei-luoghi-di-studio-e-tirocinio] and the Module 3 in presence regarding the specific security and safety formation in the academic environment.

Assessment methods

• Written test regarding laboratory topics;

• Oral examination (to integrate competence and impact based assessement).

Teaching tools

PC, Laptops

Specific Softwares

2D and 3D Models

Specific Boards

Videos

Office hours

See the website of Giovanni Valdrè

See the website of Gianfranco Ulian