1. Accueil
  2. EN
  3. Studying at ULB
  4. Find your course
  5. UE
GEOL-D600

Introduction à la minéralogie et pétrologie magmatique et métamorphique

academic year
2025-2026
2026-2027

Course teacher(s)

Karen FONTIJN (Coordinator) and Nadine MATTIELLI

ECTS credits

5

Language(s) of instruction

french

Course content

Mineralogy
  • Physical properties of minerals
  • Cristal Chemistry : atomic bonds in natural crystalline materials and their implications on the physical-chemical properties of minerals
  • Introduction to crystallography
  • Growth and stability of minerals and their assemblages (phase diagrams)
  • Descriptive mineralogy: principles of mineral classification
  • Mineral groups : native elements, sulphides and sulphates, carbonates, (hydr)oxydes, silicates ... – their compositions, structures and properties

Objectives (and/or specific learning outcomes)

Mineralogy
  • Describe the fundamental definitions in mineralogy
  • Explain the principles of quantum mechanics and atomic/ionic bonds and their relevance to mineralogy
  • Explain the principles of coordination, crystallographic sites, etc.
  • Explain the principles of mineral stability and mineral associations
  • Know the main mineral groups, their structures and general properties
  • Know the chemical formula of the primary minerals

Teaching methods and learning activities

Mineralogy

The theory course is taught face-to-face and accompanied by weekly online Tests. Some sessions may be replaced or supplemented by podcasts or videos.

References, bibliography, and recommended reading

Klein, C. & Dutrow, B. (2007). The 23rd Edition of the Manual of Mineral Science. John Wiley & Sons, 675 pp.
Putnis, A. (1992). Introduction to Mineral Sciences. Cambridge University Press, 457pp.

Course notes

  • Syllabus
  • Université virtuelle

Contribution to the teaching profile

The science of mineralogy represents one of the fundaments of geology. Minerals make up rocks, alter to form soils, and are used in a wide range of industrial applications. A comprehensive understanding of the main minerals and their properties is therefore essential for geologists and archeologists interested in understanding provenance of natural materials. 

Other information

Contacts

Karen Fontijn
Karen.Fontijn@ulb.be
02/650 2237

Campus

Solbosch

Evaluation

Method(s) of evaluation

  • written examination

written examination

  • Open question with short answer
  • Open question with developed answer

Mineralogy
Theory: written exam, immediately followed by a short oral discussion (the latter is optional)

Mark calculation method (including weighting of intermediary marks)

Mineralogy 50%
Petrology 50%

Language(s) of evaluation

  • french

Programmes