Study information

Crystallography, Mineralogy and Gemstones - 2025 entry

MODULE TITLECrystallography, Mineralogy and Gemstones CREDIT VALUE15
MODULE CODECSM1043 MODULE CONVENERMs Aveen Hameed (Coordinator)
DURATION: TERM 1 2 3
DURATION: WEEKS 0 10 0
Number of Students Taking Module (anticipated) 40
DESCRIPTION - summary of the module content

Mineralogy is the study of Minerals, their chemical composition, internal crystal structure and physical properties. Minerals are the building blocks of the Earth and are used to identify rocks and also to piece together the history and conditions of rock formation. This module forms one of the fundamentals of Geology and having the skills to describe and identify minerals is an essential skill for all geologists, and you will use the skills you learn on this course throughout your geology degree.

There are no prerequisite courses, although it is helpful to have studied the introductory geology and chemistry modules. A background in science subjects is useful. The module is suitable for non-specialist students and interdisciplinary pathways

 

AIMS - intentions of the module

This module aims to help you acquire knowledge of crystals and the common rock-forming minerals, and to gain experience in recognising minerals in hand specimen and thin section.

INTENDED LEARNING OUTCOMES (ILOs) (see assessment section below for how ILOs will be assessed)

On successful completion of this module you should be able to:

Module Specific Skills and Knowledge

1. Define what a mineral is, which crystal system it belongs to and know the chemical formulas of the more common rock forming minerals;
2. Understand the physical, chemical and optical properties of minerals;
3. Be able to use a systematic method to identify an unknown mineral using basic principles;
4. Describe, identify and classify some common minerals. Define the factors controlling the formation and stability of common rock-forming minerals;
5. Explain how minerals can be used to elucidate the story of how rocks formed: when, how and where
6. Show a proficiency in identifying minerals in hand specimen and thin section.
7. Exhibit an understanding of the basic theory of mineral optics using transmitted light;
 

Discipline Specific Skills and Knowledge

8. Identify common minerals;
9. Use transmitted light microscopy to determine the basic optical properties of minerals;

Personal and Key Transferable / Employment Skills and Knowledge

10. Be able to use a systematic approach to mineral identification;
11. Adopt good working practice when using microscopes and their accessories
SYLLABUS PLAN - summary of the structure and academic content of the module
  • Introduction to Mineralogy;
  • Mineral growth and crystal structure;
  • Physical properties of minerals;
  • Optical properties of minerals, with a focus on common rock forming minerals;
  • Study the main minerals groups; 
  • Gemstones and diamonds.
LEARNING AND TEACHING
LEARNING ACTIVITIES AND TEACHING METHODS (given in hours of study time)
Scheduled Learning & Teaching Activities 40 Guided Independent Study 110 Placement / Study Abroad 0
DETAILS OF LEARNING ACTIVITIES AND TEACHING METHODS
Category Hours of study time Description
Scheduled learning and teaching activities 10 Lectures
Scheduled learning and teaching activities 30 Practicals
Guided independent study 110 Lecture and assessment preparation; private study

 

ASSESSMENT
FORMATIVE ASSESSMENT - for feedback and development purposes; does not count towards module grade
Form of Assessment Size of Assessment (e.g. duration/length) ILOs Assessed Feedback Method
Practical books Ongoing 6, 7, 9 Written
       
       
       
       

 

SUMMATIVE ASSESSMENT (% of credit)
Coursework 0 Written Exams 60 Practical Exams 40
DETAILS OF SUMMATIVE ASSESSMENT
Form of Assessment % of Credit Size of Assessment (e.g. duration/length) ILOs Assessed Feedback Method
Examination 60 1.5 hours 1-11 Tutor meeting
Assessed practical 40 2 hours 1-5 Feedback on mark sheets

 

DETAILS OF RE-ASSESSMENT (where required by referral or deferral)
Original Form of Assessment Form of Re-assessment ILOs Re-assessed Time Scale for Re-reassessment
Examination Examination (1.5 hours) (60%) 1-11 Referral/deferral period
Assessed practical Assessed practical (2 hours) (40%) 1-5 Referral/deferral period

 

RE-ASSESSMENT NOTES

Deferral – if you miss an assessment for certificated reasons judged acceptable by the Mitigation Committee, you will normally be either deferred in the assessment or an extension may be granted. The mark given for a re-assessment taken as a result of deferral will not be capped and will be treated as it would be if it were your first attempt at the assessment.

Referral – if you have failed the module overall (i.e. a final overall module mark of less than 40%) you will be required to submit a further assessment as necessary. If you are successful on referral, your overall module mark will be capped at 40%.

RESOURCES
INDICATIVE LEARNING RESOURCES - The following list is offered as an indication of the type & level of
information that you are expected to consult. Further guidance will be provided by the Module Convener

Basic reading:                                                                                                                                       

  • Gribble, C.D. & Hall, A.J., Optical mineralogy: Principles and practice, UCL Press,1992.

Web based and electronic resources:

  • ELE
  • mindat.org
  • https://www.virtualmicroscope.org/content/uk-virtual-microscope 

                                                                 

Reading list for this module:

Type Author Title Edition Publisher Year ISBN
Set Gribble, C.D. & Hall, A.J. Optical mineralogy: Principles and practice UCL Press 1992
CREDIT VALUE 15 ECTS VALUE 7.5
PRE-REQUISITE MODULES None
CO-REQUISITE MODULES None
NQF LEVEL (FHEQ) 4 AVAILABLE AS DISTANCE LEARNING No
ORIGIN DATE Thursday 6th July 2017 LAST REVISION DATE Thursday 27th February 2025
KEY WORDS SEARCH Mineral; optical; microscopy; crystallography; rock.

Please note that all modules are subject to change, please get in touch if you have any questions about this module.