- Rock Classification
The crust of the Earth is predominantly composed of three different rock types namely: igneous, metamorphic and sedimentary. A rock is an assemblage of minerals. An igneous rock forms by crystallisation from magma which erupts from the magma chamber in the mantle. Deposition and solidification of sediments will result in the formation of a sedimentary rock, while a metamorphic rock results by transformation in a solid state of minerals and their texture. Moreover, a metamorphic rock will form from pre-existing igneous or sedimentary rocks.
- Definition of a Mineral
By definition, a mineral is a solid crystalline which is homogenous, consists of definite chemical composition and crystal structure and must had formed by a natural process. There are roughly 5000 minerals known to man.
- Objectives of the Project
The mineralogy of each rock type is unique, thus this study intends to focus on:
- Igneous and metamorphic rock forming minerals.
- Investigation of the bulk chemical composition of both igneous and metamorphic rocks.
An Outline of the Project
- An introduction to:
- General geology
- Rock classification
- Rock forming minerals
- Optical microscopy
- XRF and XRD analysis
- Data recording
- Graphical data display
- Interpretation
- Conclusions and recommendations
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