Teaching Mineralogy -- Table of Contents
Browse the collection of on-line Teaching Mineralogy activities. You can find resources on Teaching Methods and Class Projects; Mineral Properties and Classification; Optical Mineralogy, X-ray Diffraction, SEM/EDS, and Spectroscopy; Crystallography; Crystal Structures; Crystal Chemistry; Phase Equilibria and Phase Diagrams; and Experiments in Mineralogy.
Jump to your topic of interest using the "anchors" below, or browse the entire collection.
Teaching Methods/Projects / Mineral Properties and Classification / Optical Mineralogy / X-ray Diffraction/SEM/EDS/Spectroscopy / Crystallography / Crystal Structures / Crystal Chemistry / Phase Equilibria and Phase Diagrams / Experiments in Mineralogy
Teaching Methods/Projects
Back to Top of Page- Using Cooperative Learning to Teach Mineralogy (and Other Courses Too!) --LeeAnn Srogi and Lynda Baloche, West Chester University
- Physical Properties of Minerals and Determinative Techniques--an Introduction to Cooperative Learning -- Ken Bladh, Wittenberg University
- A Term-Long Mineralogy Lab Practical Exam -- Kurt Hollocher, Union College
- Exercises to teach scientific reading comprehension and mineralogic concepts -- Kurt Hollocher, Union College
- Short Readings from the American Mineralogist: Sneaky Tools for Teaching Scientific Reading Comprehension and Mineralogical Concepts -- Kurt Hollocher, Union College
- Exercises With Mineral Names, Literature and History -- Francis Dudas, Old Dominion University
- Field Notes -- David W. Mogk , Montana State University
- Asbestos: Mineralogy, Health Hazards, and Public Policy -- Helen M. Lang and Sid P. Halsor, West Virginia University and Wilkes University
- Wondering, Wandering, and Winnowing: the WWW and Mineralogy -- Philip E. Brown, University of Wisconsin - Madison
- Private Mineral Project - -- Dexter Perkins, University of North Dakota
- Private Mineral Gallery Walk -- Dexter Perkins, University of North Dakota
- Photographing Minerals -- Dexter Perkins, University of North Dakota
Mineral Properties and Classification
Back to Top of Page- Mineral Classification - What's in a Name? -- Dave Mogk and Dexter Perkins, Montana State University and University of North Dakota
- Mineral Classification Exercise -- Dexter Perkins, University of North Dakota
- Properties of Minerals -- Dexter Perkins, University of North Dakota
- Mineral Properties Sheets -- David Hirsch, Western WA University
- Physical Properties of Minerals and Determinative Techniques -- Ken Bladh, Wittenberg University
- A Term-Long Mineralogy Lab Practical Exam -- Kurt Hollocher, Union College
- Properties of Minerals and Intro to Polarizing Microscopes -- Dexter Perkins, University of North Dakota
- Examination of the Quartz, Feldspathoids, Feldspar, Zeolite Group and other Framework Silicates -- Dexter Perkins, University of North Dakota
- The Properties of Amphiboles, Micas, Pyroxenes, and Olivines and an Introduction to Mineral Properties in Thin Section -- Dexter Perkins, University of North Dakota
- Sedimentary and Related Minerals -- Dexter Perkins, University of North Dakota
- Mineral Separation and Provenance Lab Exercise -- Mary Roden-Tice, State University of New York at Plattsburgh
- Introduction to the Properties of Clay Minerals -- Stephen Guggenheim, University of Illinois at Chicago
- Metamorphic Rocks and Minerals -- Dexter Perkins, University of North Dakota
- Ore Minerals -- Dexter Perkins, University of North Dakota
- Mineral Commodities -- Dexter Perkins, University of North Dakota
Optical Mineralogy
Back to Top of Page- Minerals and Light -- Edward F. Stoddard , North Carolina State University
- Properties of Minerals and Intro to Polarizing Microscopes -- Dexter Perkins, University of North Dakota
- Experiments in Crystal Optics -- Hans Dieter Zimmermann , Aarhus Universitet
- Laboratory Exercises and Demonstrations with the Spindle Stage -- Mickey E. Gunter , University of Idaho
- Examination of the Quartz, Feldspathoids, Feldspar, Zeolite Group and other Framework Silicates -- Dexter Perkins, University of North Dakota
- The Properties of Amphiboles, Micas, Pyroxenes, and Olivines and an Introduction to Mineral Properties in Thin Section -- Dexter Perkins, University of North Dakota
- A Last Look at Igneous Minerals in Thin Section -- Dexter Perkins, University of North Dakota
- Sedimentary and Related Minerals -- Dexter Perkins, University of North Dakota
- Metamorphic Rocks and Minerals -- Dexter Perkins, University of North Dakota
- Fun With Asbestos -- Dexter Perkins, University of North Dakota
- Asbestos: Mineralogy, Health Hazards, and Public Policy -- Helen M. Lang and Sid P. Halsor, West Virginia University and Wilkes University
- The use of visualization and sketches of thin sections to encourage a better understanding of phase diagrams: Binary and ternary phase diagram exercises -- Jennifer M. Wenner and Drew S. Coleman, University of Wisconsin Oshkosh and University of North Carolina
X-ray Diffraction/ SEM/EDS/Spectroscopy
Back to Top of Page- Single Crystal X-ray Diffraction -- Christine M. Clark, Eastern Michigan University and Barbara L. Dutrow, Louisiana State University
- X-ray Powder Diffractions (XRD) -- Barbara L. Dutrow, Louisiana State University and Christine M. Clark, Eastern Michigan University
- Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) -- Susan Swapp, University of Wyoming
- Electron probe micro-analyzer (EPMA) -- John Goodge, University of Minnesota-Duluth
- Energy-Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (EDS) -- John Goodge, University of Minnesota-Duluth
- Wavelength-Dispersive X-Ray Spectroscopy (WDS) -- Darrell Henry, Louisiana State University and John Goodge, University of Minnesota-Duluth
- Back-Scattered Electron Detector (BSE) -- John Goodge, University of Minnesota-Duluth
- X-ray Elemental Mapping -- John Goodge, University of Minnesota-Duluth
- Scanning Electron Microscopy - Cathodoluminescence (SEM-CL) -- Darrell Henry, Louisiana State University
- Optical Cathodoluminescence (Optical-CL) -- Darrell Henry, Louisiana State University
- Electron Backscatter Diffraction (EBSD) -- Susan Swapp, Univeristy of Wyoming
- Mossbauer Spectroscopy -- M. Darby Dyar, Mount Holyoke College
- Better Living Through Minerals: X-Ray Diffraction of Household Products -- Barb Dutrow , Louisiana State University
- X-ray Analysis of Unknown Minerals -- Dexter Perkins, University of North Dakota
- X-ray Analysis of Sand -- Dexter Perkins, University of North Dakota
- Mineral Synthesis and X-Ray Diffraction Experiments -- Dexter Perkins and Paul Sorensen, University of North Dakota
- Determination of Chemical Composition, State of Order, Molar Volume, and Density of a Monoclinic Alkali Feldspar Using X-Ray Diffraction -- Guy L. Hovis, Lafayette College
- Phase Fun With Feldspars: Simple Experiments to Change Chemical Composition, State of Order, and Crystal System -- Guy L. Hovis, Lafayette College
- Introduction to the SEM/EDS or "Every Composition Tells a Story" -- John T Cheney and Peter D. Crowley, Amherst College
- Color in Minerals -- M. Darby Dyar, West Chester University
Crystallography
Back to Top of Page- Symmetry -- Dexter Perkins, University of North Dakota
- Point Groups -- Dexter Perkins, University of North Dakota
- Plane Groups - Dexter Perkins, University of North Dakota
- Symmetry Summary -- Dexter Perkins, University of North Dakota
- First Look at Crystal Shapes -- Dexter Perkins, University of North Dakota
- Using SHAPE to Make Crystal Drawings -- Dexter Perkins, University of North Dakota
- Computer Generated Crystals Using Shape -- Kenneth J. Brock , Indiana University Northwest
- Miller Indices and Symmetry Content: A Demonstration Using SHAPE, a Computer Program for Drawing Crystals -- Michael A. Velbel, Michigan State University
- Use of Natural Crystals in the Study of Crystallography -- Roger T. Steinberg, Del Mar College
- Stereo Diagrams -- Dexter Perkins, University of North Dakota
- Crystal Measurement and Axial Ratio Laboratory -- George R. McCormick , University of Iowa
- Construction of Crystal Models and Their Graphic Equivalents -- Francis Dudas, Old Dominion University
- A Fun and Effective Exercise for Understanding Lattices and Space Groups -- Dexter Perkins, University of North Dakota
- From 2D to 3D: Escher Drawings, Crystallography, Crystal Chemistry, and Crystal "Defects" -- Peter Buseck, Arizona State University
- From 2D to 3D: II. TEM and AFM Images -- Peter Buseck, Arizona State University
- The Metrical Matrix in Teaching Mineralogy -- G. V. Gibbs, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University
Crystal Structures
Back to Top of Page- Directed-Discovery of Crystal Structures Using Ball and Stick Models -- David W. Mogk, Montana State University
- Directed Discovery of Crystal Structures Using Computer Visualizations -- David Mogk and Kent Ratajeski, Montana State University
- Introduction to Crystal Structure: Bond Strength -- Dexter Perkins, University of North Dakota
- Introduction to Crystal Structures: Bond Strength (Pauling's Rule #2) -- Dexter Perkins , University of North Dakota
- Mineral Structure 2 -- Dexter Perkins, University of North Dakota
- Building Crystal Structure Ball Models Using Pre-Drilled Templates: Sheet Structures, Tridymite, and Cristobalite -- Kurt Hollocher, Union College
- Olivine Crystal Structure -- Kent Ratajeski, Montana State University
- Crystal Structures as Geobarometers -- Kent Ratajeski, Montana State University
- Color in Minerals -- M. Darby Dyar, West Chester University
Crystal Chemistry
Back to Top of Page- Identifying Minerals with Chemical and Crystallographic Data -- Kent Ratajeski , Montana State University
- Reagents, Compositions, Weight Loss -- Dexter Perkins, University of North Dakota
- Calculating Wt%s and Normalizing Analyses -- Dexter Perkins, University of North Dakota
- Calculating Oxide Weight Percents from Formulae and Normalizing Chemical Analyses -- Dexter Perkins, University of North Dakota
- Plotting Compositions in 2-D and 3-D Spaces -- Dexter Perkins, University of North Dakota
- Calculating Compositional Variation and Common Substitutions for Igneous and Metamorphic Minerals -- David Mogk, Montana State University
- Introduction to the SEM/EDS or "Every Composition Tells a Story" -- John T Cheney and Peter D. Crowley, Amherst College
- Color in Minerals -- M. Darby Dyar, West Chester University
Phase Equilibria and Phase Diagrams
Back to Top of Page- Phase Rule -- David W. Mogk, Montana State University
- Phase Diagrams (and Pseudosections) -- Compiled by Dexter Perkins (University of North Dakota) and John Brady (Smith College)
- What are Pseudosections? -- Dave Hirsch, Western Washington University, Julie Baldwin, University of Montana, and Dexter Perkins, University of North Dakota
- Plotting Mineral Compositions and Chemographic Projections -- John Brady (Smith College) and Cam Davidson (Carleton College)
- Thermodynamics -- Dexter Perkins (University of North Dakota), Andrea Koziol (University of Dayton), John Brady (Smith College)
- Gibbs Free Energy and other Thermodynamic Functions -- Dexter Perkins (University of North Dakota), Andrea Koziol (University of Dayton), John Brady (Smith College)
- Fundamental Thermodynamic Calculations -- Dexter Perkins (University of North Dakota), Andrea Koziol (University of Dayton), John Brady (Smith College)
- Clapeyron Equation -- Andrea Koziol (University of Dayton) and Dexter Perkins (University of North Dakota)
- Different Kinds of Reactions -- Dave Hirsch, Western Washington University
- Deriving and Balancing Metamorphic Reactions -- Dexter Perkins (University of North Dakota)
- Schreinemakers Method -- Dexter Perkins, University of North Dakota and Dave Mogk, Montana State University
- Experimental Petrology -- Andrea Koziol, University of Dayton; Dex Perkins, University of North Dakota; John Brady, Smith College
- Experimental Petrology Machines -- Andrea Koziol, University of Dayton
- Mineral Formulae Recalculation -- John Brady, Smith College and Dexter Perkins, University of North Dakota
- Activity Models -- Dex Perkins, University of North Dakota; Andrea Koziol, University of Dayton; and Dave Mogk, Montana State University
- "Classical" Thermobarometry -- Donna Whitney, University of Minnesota
- P-T-t Paths -- Donna Whitney, University of Minnesota
- Advanced Modeling Programs
- MELTS -- Karl Wirth, Macalester College and Rachel Teasdale, California State University, Chico
- Perplex -- Dave Hirsch, Western Washington University
- THERMOCALC -- Julie Baldwin, University of Montana; Dexter Perkins, University of North Dakota; and Dave Mogk, Montana State University
- TWQ -- Cameron Davidson, Carleton College
- Phase Equilibria -- Dexter Perkins, University of North Dakota
- Plagioclase Phase Diagram -- Dexter Perkins, University of North Dakota
- Crystallization and Melting of Diopside - Anorthite -- Dexter Perkins, University of North Dakota
- Phase Diagrams in Vivo -- Erich U. Peterson, University of Utah
- Phase Diagrams -- Dexter Perkins, University of North Dakota
- Useful Phase Diagrams -- John Brady, Smith College
- Phase diagrams From Kitchen Chemistry -- John Brady, Smith College
- Binary Eutectic In-class Exercise (Di-An) -- Allen Glazner, Univ. North Carolina
- Constructing a Two Component Phase diagram Using Experimental Data in the Hypothetical System A-B -- R.K. Smith, Univ. Texas San Antonio
- Ternary System: Determination of Crystal-Liquid and Crystal-Crystal Proportions Using the Lever and Tangent Rules -- R.K. Smith, Univ. Texas San Antonio
- The use of visualization and sketches of thin sections to encourage a better understanding of phase diagrams: Binary and ternary phase diagram exercises -- Jennifer M. Wenner and Drew S. Coleman, University of Wisconsin Oshkosh and University of North Carolina
- Calculating a Simple Phase Diagram: Diamond=Graphite -- Dexter Perkins, University of North Dakota"
Experiments in Mineralogy
Back to Top of Page- Making Solid Solutions with Alkali Halides (and Breaking Them) -- John B. Brady, Smith College
- Phase diagrams From Kitchen Chemistry -- John Brady, Smith College
- Crystallizing Minerals from Aqueous Solutions -- Dexter Perkins, University of North Dakota
- Synthetic Alkali Halides -- Dexter Perkins, University of North Dakota
- Experiments on Simple Binary Mineral Systems -- John D. Winter, Whitman College"
- Exercises in the Geochemical Kinetics of Mineral-Water Reactions: The Rate Law and Rate Determining Step in the Dissolution of Halite -- Michael A. Velbel, Michigan State University
- Crystal Growth Fast and Slow -- Peter J. Heaney, Princeton University
- Growing Crystals on a Microscope Stage -- Paul Sorensen and Dexter Perkins, University of North Dakota
- Mineral Synthesis and X-Ray Diffraction Experiments -- Dexter Perkins and Paul Sorensen, University of North Dakota
- Heat Capacity of Minerals: A Hands-On Introduction to Chemical Thermodynamics -- David G. Bailey, Hamilton College
- Determination of Chemical Composition, State of Order, Molar Volume, and Density of a Monoclinic Alkali Feldspar Using X-Ray Diffraction -- Guy L. Hovis, Lafayette College
- Phase Fun With Feldspars: Simple Experiments to Change Chemical Composition, State of Order, and Crystal System -- Guy L. Hovis, Lafayette College"
- Phase Diagrams in Vivo -- Erich U. Peterson, University of Utah