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An introduction to mineralogy, igneous and metamorphic petrology, and related ore deposits, and their use in interpretation of geological environments. Students will be introduced to geologic processes sensitive to pressure, temperature and volatile availability, including magma crystallisation and gold mineralisation.
The course will provide an introduction to mineralogy, igneous and metamorphic petrology, and related ore deposits. Basic principles of mineralogy and microscopy will be built upon to describe and interpret igneous, metamorphic, and economically important rocks and minerals. The practical work involves naming and describing hand samples of common minerals, rocks and ores. Each student will be allocated a microscope for the laboratory work, and selected samples will be also be examined and described in thin section and/or polished mounts using transmitted light microscopy.The lectures provide a theoretical background to some of the practical work (such as optical mineralogy and rock classification), but also provide an introduction to important mineralogical rock- and ore-forming processes. Students will be introduced to geological processes sensitive to pressure, temperature and volatile availability, including magma crystallisation and gold mineralisation. The course will show clearly how rocks and minerals can used to interpret various geological environments.
Students successfully completing this course will:Identify and describe common rock-forming and economically significant minerals, as well as igneous and metamorphic rocks, using both the microscope and hand specimens.Apply mineralogical properties and concepts, such as crystal structure and solid solution, to explain the composition and texture of rocks and mineral deposits in different crustal contexts.Apply the relevant concepts of chemistry and physics to explain mineral, igneous, metamorphic and ore-forming processes using examples from New Zealand and the rest of the world.Be enthusiastic about field and laboratory-based mineralogy and petrology.Appreciate that skills practiced in mineralogy, petrology and ore geology will be useful in any future career (geological or otherwise).
This course will provide students with an opportunity to develop the Graduate Attributes specified below:
Critically competent in a core academic discipline of their award
Students know and can critically evaluate and, where applicable, apply this knowledge to topics/issues within their majoring subject.
Globally aware
Students will comprehend the influence of global conditions on their discipline and will be competent in engaging with global and multi-cultural contexts.
GEOL111 and any 15 points at 100 level from GEOL.
3 lectures per week that include laptop based in-class assignments. Bring your laptop to lectures.1 lab (2.5 hours) per week.
Ben Kennedy
Alex Nichols
Robb, L. J; Introduction to ore-forming processes ; Blackwell Pub., 2005.
Shelley, David; Optical mineralogy ; 2nd ed; Elsevier, 1985 (Can be purchased from School of Earth & Environment).
Winter, John D; Principles of igneous and metamorphic petrology ; 2nd ed; Prentice Hall, 2010.
The required Prerequisites for GEOL242 are GEOL111 "Planet Earth" and GEOL115 "Dynamic Earth System", or, GEOL113 "Environmental Geohazards".
Domestic fee $926.00
International fee $4,563.00
* All fees are inclusive of NZ GST or any equivalent overseas tax, and do not include any programme level discount or additional course-related expenses.
This course will not be offered if fewer than 30 people apply to enrol.
For further information see School of Earth and Environment .