Corsi di studi in Scienze Geologiche (L-34 e LM-74)

At the end of the course the student will be able to proceed to  petrographic characterization of natural and synthetic stone materials and definition of their origin. Capacity to evaluate new rock varieties and knowledge of the problems of the ornamental stone sector. Ability to set a campaign to mining

The course includes lessons, exercises during which will be carried out the macroscopic recognition of representative samples of ornamental rocks used in ancient times and a part of  laboratory during which you use the optical microscope in polarized light for the recognition of rock samples by  thin section.
The teaching methodology employed consists of: Lectures: n. 24 hours(Borghi)       n. 20 hours (Rossetti) Tutorials: n. 4 hours (Rossetti) Excursions: n. 6 hours (Rossetti).

The exam consists of a single oral examination during which the two teachers will verify the learning level reached by the student through specific questions on the topics covered in class by each of them in its own module. It will also request the description and classification of a sample of ornamental stone

Introduction to "economic minerals" and "industrial minerals". History of
use. Classification criteria. Petrographic methods of investigation in
different fields of application.
Rocks and minerals used in building in different areas, with a particular
regard to materials used as insulation and ornamentation stone.
Dimension stones of the contemporary market: analysis and petrographic
considerations on the different commercial categories: definition of
marble, granite, stone and travertine. Criteria for classification and
certification; petrophysical properties and mechanical properties; areas
of application; regulatory issues.
The degradation of rock history. The durability of the contemporary
stones.
The glass industry: Mineralogy and geology of raw materials; the
production cycle; Major industrial glass and their use.
The industry of talc: Mineralogical definition and physical - chemical
characteristics; The main industrial use; The main deposits of talc inItaly.
Mortar and concrete. Gypsum-based and hydraulic plaster. The Portland
cement. Mineralogy and geology of raw materials. The production cycle.
The pozzolanic cements.
The clays and clay minerals: Mineralogical and chemical characteristics of
the raw materials; The production cycle of bricks, terracotta and other
ceramics; Major industrial applications.
Field excursions: macroscopic recognition of ornamental historical and
contemporary architecture in Turin and regional level.
Hydrothermal processes and hydrothermal alteration. Main hydrothermal
alteration facies and their significance in terms of T-pH of fluid. Transport
of metals in aqueous solution: chloride and sulfur complexes. Deposition
of metals: the role of various processes (ΔT, ΔP, mixing, boiling, fluidwallrock
interaction).
The fluid inclusions and their meaning. Principles of fluid inclusions
microthermometry; how to determine Th, composition, salinity of the
inclusions. Populations of fluid inclusions; homogeneous and
heterogeneous entrapment.
Porphyry-type deposits: definition, grade/tonnage, geodynamic setting,
mineralization(s); distribution of the alteration facies. The data provided
from the fluid inclusions studies in the porphyry-type systems. Models for
porphyry deposits, also based on stable isotopes data. Possible
relationships with the Au-Ag epithermal systems.
Introduction to Mineral exploration. Exploration phases. Development of a
geological model and ore reserve/resource calculation. Use of specific
techniques in mineral exploration.
Laboratory activity: macro- and micro-analysis of samples mineralized
and affected by hydrothermal alteration.
Field excursion to situations of actual or potential mining interest.