203. Mineralogy

An introduction to the nature of the crystalline state as displayed by the common rock-forming minerals through their physical and chemical properties. Topics include symmetry and its graphical representation; the relationship between crystal morphology and internal structure; hand-specimen description and recognition; mineral phase equilibria and mineral origins; economic uses; and an introduction to petrology and such analytical tools as the petrographic microscope and x-ray diffractometer. Prerequisite: Geology 103.