EARTH 250 - Mineralogy

Credits: 4
Lecture Contact Hours: 3
Lab Contact Hours: 3
Description: This course studies the composition, structure, formation, occurrence and the environmental importance of minerals found on Earth. Topics include mineral classification, descriptive mineralogy, crystal and mineral chemistry, crystallography and optical mineralogy. Laboratory exercises include the identification of minerals and their properties, their crystal systems and thin section identification using a petrographic microscope. Field trips may be included in this course.

Prerequisites: EARTH 140
Corequisites: None
Recommended: CHEM 104 or higher.

Course Category: Liberal Arts | Science with Lab
This course counts toward Schoolcraft’s General Education Requirements.
This course counts toward a Michigan Transfer Agreement General Education Requirement.

This Course is Typically Offered: Fall Only
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Course Competencies

Distinguish between atoms, elements, chemical compounds, minerals and rocks.
Explain the criteria for a substance to be considered a mineral.
Identify minerals in hand specimens and rocks.
Distinguish between the physical properties used in the identification of minerals.
Distinguish between the different categories of minerals.
Explain how minerals are classified and named.
Determine the relationship between the atomic structure of a mineral and its external crystalline shape and form.
Distinguish between the different crystal systems and classes in minerals.
Determine the relationship between atomic structure and the chemical composition of minerals.
Differentiate between the geologic environments in which minerals can form.
Explain the ways in which minerals can form from igneous, sedimentary and metamorphic processes.
Investigate the formation of crystals from solution.
Identify minerals in thin sections of rocks by using their optical properties.
Analyze minerals in thin sections using a polarizing/petrographic microscope.
Explain the importance of minerals in terms of derived materials used in manufactured items, industry and infrastructure.
Explain the benefits and hazards associated with minerals in terms of human health.
Explain the effect mineral mining has on the health and sustainability of the environment.
Explore extraterrestrial minerals in samples of meteorites.
Explore the utility of modern analytical techniques, such as scanning electron microscopy and x-ray diffraction to analyze the composition and structure of rocks and minerals.
Explore the relationships between the science of mineralogy and gemology.