OPTICAL MINERALOGY OUTLINE 2008-2009

Introduction

Properties of light and its interaction with mineral grains: reflection, refraction, polarization, interference phenomena, extinction, color and pleochroism. Refractometry; isotropic, uniaxial and biaxial optics; interpretation of interference figures. Transmitted light petrography in the identification and familiarization with major rock forming minerals in grain mounts and thin section.

Instructor: Greg Finn, 13^th Floor, Schmon Tower, (greg.finn@brocku.ca)
Lectures: Monday, Wednesday and Friday 8:00 AM; Room D308
Labs: Monday 2:00 to 5:00; Room D308

Recommended Text:
Lectures;
Introduction to Optical Mineralogy, Third Edition, by William D. Neese. This text is available in the bookstore and will be used in this course and all petrology courses offered at Brock. It will serve as a handy reference for use in the real world after graduation.

Supplementary Texts - Available in the Main Library

• Bloss - An Introduction to the Methods of Optical Mineralogy
• Kerr - Optical Mineralogy
• Phillips - Mineral Optics, Principles and Techniques
• Deer, Howie and Zussman - Rock Forming Minerals. A 7 volume set, invaluable to petrologists.
• Deer, Howie and Zussman - Introduction to Rock Forming Minerals. A condensed version of the 7 volume set.
• Ehlers - Optical Mineralogy Volumes 1 and 2
• MacKenzie and Guilford - Atlas of rock-forming minerals in this section

Evaluation

Midterm         15%
Final                35%
Labs                 30%
Lab Exam        15%
Spotting Quiz    5%

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