In this course we review mineral names and classification, including how to propose a new mineral, then review crystallography in a way that it is understandable and makes sense. Then we look at experimental methods, including XRD, SEM, EPMA, TEM, ICP-MS, Raman, etc. Finally we go through the minerals in order from native elements to tectosilicates. Throughout I use case studies from my ~35 years in academia and industry.

Overall assessment is based 60% on assignments and 40% on an essay on  a mineral or mineral group of your choice. The assignments are practical in nature, for example how to normalize and plot geochemical data.
 

We meet in person once a week for 1.5 hours at a time that works for everyone.