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651-4047-00L 2 Credits MSC D-ERDW
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Microscopy of Magmatic Rocks

Lecturers & Examiners: Prof. em. Dr. Peter Ulmer
VVZ CR n/a

Last Updated: 2026-02-05 15:36:14

Abstract

This course provides basic knowledge in microscopy of igneous rocks. Apart from the identification of common igneous minerals in thin sections, mineral assemblages, textures and structures will be investigated and the results of microscopy will be combined with igneous phase equilibria to understand generation, differentiation and emplacement of igneous rocks.

Objective

The principal goal of this course is to acquire expertise in : (1) optical determination of minerals in igneous rocks using the polarizing microscope (2) Identification of igneous rocks basing on modal mineralogy, structure and texture; (3) Interpretation of textures and structures and associated igneous processes; (4) Application of phase diagrams to natural rocks.

Content

This practical course bases on the course 'Microscopy of metamorphic rocks' (A. Galli), that is taught immediately before this course, where basic knowledge in optical mineralogy and the use of the polarizing microscope is acquired. In this course, the most important (common) igneous minerals and rocks are studied in thin sections under the polarizing microscope. Mineral assemblages, structures, textures and crystallization sequences are determined and utilized to understand the generation, differentiation and emplacement of igneous rocks. In addition, we will apply igneous phase equilibria that have been introduced in other lectures (such as magmatism and metamorphism I&II at ETH or an equivalent igneous petrology course) to natural rock samples in order to constrain qualitatively parental magma compositions and crystallization conditions. The range of investigated rocks encompasses mantle rocks, tholeiitic, calc-alkaline and alkaline plutonic and volcanic rocks that contain the most common igneous minerals.

Resources

Lecture Notes

Basis of the optical determinations of (igneous) minerals using the polarizing microscope are the tables of Tröger ('Optische Bestimmung der gesteinsbildenden Minerale', Optical determination of rock-forming minerals, 1982) that are available in sufficient number in the class room.Additional notes will be distributed during the lectureFurthermore, I recommend the lecture notes of H.-G- Stosch (University of Karlsruhe, in German) that can be provided in printed form upon request.

Literature

There are several good textbooks on the subject of ´mineralogy in thin sections´ that I can suggest upon request.

Learning Materials (Links)

General Information

Language
English
Levels
MSC
Frequency
Yearly recurring

Examination

Type
end-of-semester examination
Lernelemente: Das erfolgreiche Lösen von mindestens 3 Hausaufgaben wird als Bonus (0.25 Notenpunkte) zur Schlussnote angerechnet.

Registration & Places

Max Places
24

Course Components

Type Title Time & Place Hours
lecture with exercise Microscopy of Magmatic Rocks
Safety Concept Microscopy Exercises: a) the safety concepts for teaching and the protection concept for practical laboratory courses of ETH Zurich must be followed, (EN)_Update.pdf b) Students and lecturers must wear face masks c) In order to protect the eyepieces from contamination by the eyes, protective goggles are mandatory d) Disinfectant is available for regular hand disinfection e) Latex gloves are provided if required f) The tables are to be cleaned regularly with surface disinfection g) The microscopes must be disinfected by the student after the lesson
  • Tue 16:15-18:00 (NO D 1)
  • Tue 16:15-18:00 (NO D 69)
  • Wed 08:15-10:00 (NO D 1)
  • Wed 08:15-10:00 (NO D 69)
28 h semesterly

Offered In