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70727 - MINERALOGIA

Academic Year 2026/2027

                
                        Docente:
                        Giovanni Valdrè
                    
                        Credits:
                        6
                    
                        SSD:
                        GEOS-01/A
                    
                        Language:
                        Italian
                    
                        Moduli:
                        
                            Giovanni Valdrè
                            (Modulo 1)
                        
                            (Modulo 2)
                        
                            (Modulo 3)
                        
                        Teaching Mode:
                        
                                    In-person learning (entirely or partially) (Modulo 1); 
                                
                                    In-person learning (entirely or partially) (Modulo 2); 
                                
                                    In-person learning (entirely or partially) (Modulo 3)
                                
                            Campus:
                            Ravenna
                        
                            Corso:
                            Single cycle degree programme (LMCU) in
                            Conservation and restoration of cultural heritage (cod. 8616)

                                        Course Timetable
                                    
from Sep 21, 2026 to Sep 25, 2026

Learning outcomes

The student will have a knowledge of the most important rock-forming minerals and of applicative interest in the field of conservation and restoration in Cultural Heritage.

Course contents

Definition of mineral.

Crystal morphology: crystallographic axes, crystal classes and systems.

Internal order of crystals: three dimensional lattices, illustration of crystal structures.

Crystal chemistry: coordination principle, polymorphism and isomorphism with examples.

Physical properties: cleavage, hardness, colour, luster, specific gravity, electrical, magnetic and optical properties.

Short accounts on minerogenetic processes.

Mineral classification and in particular the rock-forming minerals.

Exercises and laboratory on external forms and optical properties of the most common minerals.

X-ray diffraction methodologies, XRD, Bragg's equation, X-ray powder diffractometry for the analysis of minerals.

Mineralogical optical microscopy.

Scanning Electron Microscopy ESEM and EDS X-Ray Spectroscopy for the analysis of minerals.

Application of some minerals to conservation and restoration in Cultural Heritage.

Readings/Bibliography

C. Klein. Mineralogia. Ia edizione italiana. Zanichelli, Bologna, 2004

A. Mottana, R. Crespi, G. Liborio. Minerali e rocce. Mondadori

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

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

Slides used during the lectures

Teaching methods

General and theoretical mineralogical 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 characterise the most common minerals. X-ray diffraction XRD, mineralogical optical microscopy OM and ESEM labs sessions will be used for the microstructural characterization of minerals.

Assessment methods

Oral examination.

Teaching tools

PC-laptop and overhead projector; models of crystal lattices for the study of the internal order and structure; natural samples for macroscopic identification of the most common minerals, X-ray and optical laboratories, Scanning Electron Microscopy ESEM; mineral identification software.

Students with learning disorders and\or temporary or permanent disabilities: please, contact the office responsible (https://site.unibo.it/studenti-con-disabilita-e-dsa/en/for-students ) as soon as possible so that they can propose acceptable adjustments. The request for adaptation must be submitted in advance (15 days before the exam date) to the lecturer, who will assess the appropriateness of the adjustments, taking into account the teaching objectives.

Office hours

See the website of Giovanni Valdrè

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