MINERALOGY AND CRISTALLOGRAPHY

The purpose of the Mineralogy and Crystallography curriculum is to make young researchers acquainted with the principles and techniques of Mineral and Materials Sciences and with their applications in the fields of fundamental and applied research. A deep knowledge of the nature of the crystalline state and of the crystal chemistry of solid state materials (as, for instance, common rock-forming minerals) is vital for the understanding of the physical and chemical properties of minerals and related materials which arise from many processes of interest, both in petrology and industry.

With the aim of bridging the gap between the geosciences (i.e., geologists, mineralogists) and material scientists, this curriculum provides training in the theory and practice of mineralogical techniques which are applied in various mineral and ore processing industries. Topics include the relationship between structure and properties in several natural and synthetic materials, such as industrial minerals, minerals in buildings, monuments and cultural heritage, minerals in catalysis and ceramic industry, gemstones.