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Earth and Atmospheric Sciences
Earth's Structure and Processes
Mineralogy and Petrology
1. Introduction to Mineralogy
2. Crystallography
3. Mineral Chemistry
4. Physical Properties of Minerals
5. Optical Mineralogy
6. Systematic Mineralogy
7. Introduction to Petrology
8. Igneous Petrology
9. Sedimentary Petrology
10. Metamorphic Petrology
11. Petrogenesis and Plate Tectonics
Mineral Chemistry
Atomic Structure and Bonding
Atomic Structure of Elements
Electron Configuration
Valence Electrons
Ionic Radii
Electronegativity
Types of Chemical Bonds
Ionic Bonds
Electrostatic Attraction
Ionic Radii Ratios
Coordination Numbers
Covalent Bonds
Electron Sharing
Bond Directionality
Hybridization
Metallic Bonds
Electron Sea Model
Delocalized Electrons
Van der Waals Forces
Weak Intermolecular Forces
London Dispersion Forces
Hydrogen Bonding
Bond Strength and Mineral Properties
Hardness Relationships
Cleavage and Fracture
Thermal Properties
Chemical Composition of Minerals
Major Elements
Silicon
Aluminum
Iron
Magnesium
Calcium
Sodium
Potassium
Minor Elements
Titanium
Manganese
Phosphorus
Sulfur
Trace Elements
Rare Earth Elements
Transition Metals
Analytical Detection Limits
Stoichiometry in Minerals
Chemical Formulas
Molar Ratios
Charge Balance
Chemical Formulas and Notation
Empirical Formulas
Structural Formulas
End-member Compositions
Isomorphism and Polymorphism
Isomorphous Series
Definition and Principles
Similar Crystal Structures
Continuous Substitution
Examples of Isomorphous Series
Olivine Series
Plagioclase Series
Pyroxene Series
Solid Solution Mechanisms
Substitutional Mechanisms
Coupled Substitutions
Polymorphism
Definition and Principles
Same Composition, Different Structure
Stability Fields
Examples of Polymorphs
Diamond and Graphite
Structural Differences
Stability Conditions
Calcite and Aragonite
Pressure-Temperature Relations
Transformation Mechanisms
Quartz Polymorphs
Alpha and Beta Quartz
High-Pressure Forms
Polymorphic Transformations
Reconstructive Transformations
Displacive Transformations
Order-Disorder Transformations
Solid Solution
Types of Solid Solution
Substitutional Solid Solution
Simple Substitution
Coupled Substitution
Vacancy Mechanisms
Interstitial Solid Solution
Small Ion Insertion
Structural Accommodation
Omission Solid Solution
Vacancy Formation
Charge Compensation
Factors Controlling Solid Solution
Ionic Size
Size Tolerance Limits
Goldschmidt Rules
Charge Balance
Electroneutrality Requirements
Charge Compensation Mechanisms
Temperature and Pressure Effects
Thermal Expansion
Compressibility Effects
Kinetic Factors
Implications for Mineral Properties
Property Variations
Compositional Zoning
Exsolution Phenomena
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2. Crystallography
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4. Physical Properties of Minerals