GEO 585  Mineralogy for Science Teachers: 1 Credits (1 Other)

(Su) This course covers fundamental chemical concepts used in mineralogy, including (but not limited to): a) Crystallography and crystal chemistry b) Physical properties of minerals as related to their crystal structures and chemistry c) Anion classification and naming of minerals d) Gemstones versus everyday minerals (i.e., what makes a gemstone special?) e) Identification of minerals in hand specimen (lab work) f) Identification of minerals in rocks (lab work) g) Brief introduction to thin-section analysis and various analytical techniques of mineral analysis. Offered Summer.

View Course Outcomes:

1. Explain the broader importance of minerals to society, both historically and in the present day
2. Describe the basic concepts of mineral chemistry (structure of atoms, elements, ions and ionic sizes, atomic bonding, anion groups, silica-oxygen tetrahedra linking, isotopes, etc.)
3. Identify 10 common, rock-forming minerals based on physical properties such as color, streak, luster, hardness, crystal habit, fracture and cleavage, reaction to acid, etc.
4. Identify the common copper ore minerals of the Butte Mining District
5. Report on either their birth mineral or state mineral from home