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651-4051-00L 2 Credits MSC D-ERDW
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Reflected Light Microscopy and Ore Deposits Practical

Lecturers & Examiners: Prof. Dr. Thomas Driesner
VVZ CR n/a

Last Updated: 2026-02-05 16:16:21

Abstract

Introduction to reflected light microscopy. Use of the microscope. Identification of opaque minerals through the use of determination tables. Description of textures and paragenetic sequences.Taking the course in parallel with Ore Deposits I (651-4037-00L) is recommended but not mandatory.

Objective

Recognition of the most important ore minerals in polished section, interpretation of ore mineral textures from important ore deposit types (of hydrothermal, magmatic, sedimentary and metamorphic origin) in geological context.

Content

Introduction to reflected light microscopy as a petrographic technique. Leaning main diagnostic criteria. Study of a small selection of important and characteristic ore minerals. Interpreting polished (thin) sections from the most important ore deposit types.

Resources

Lecture Notes

Lecture ppt's and determination tables are handed out in class

Literature

Spry, P.G., Gedlinske, B.L. (1987) Tables for the determination of common opaque minerals. Econ. Geol. Publishing Company, New Haven, 52 pp. (Hands on table book with optical and other properties of most important ore minerals in reflected light. Reprints can be still obtained from the SEG online bookstore. Copies of this book will be used in the course throughout.) Craig, J.R., Vaughan, D.J. (1994) Ore microscopy and ore petrography. Second edition, John Wiley Publisher, New York, 434 pp. Good graduate level introductory textbook, covers principles of reflected-light microscopy, interpretation of ore textures and most common ore mineral assemblages. Still available. --- Baumann, L. and Leeder, O. (1991) Einführung in die Auflichtmikroskopie. Deutscher Verlag für Grundstoffindustrie, Leipzig, 408 pp. (in german). (Good german equivalent of the Craig & Vaughan book.) Cabri, L.J., Vaughan, D.J. (1998) Modern approaches to ore and environmental mineralogy. Mineralogical Association of Canada, Short Course Series, v. 27, 421 pp. (Advances series of papers linking classical microscopical techniques with modern state-of-the-art microanalytical approaches (LA-ICP-MS, SIMS, PIXE etc.)) Mücke, A. (1989) Anleitung zur Erzmikroskopie. Enke, Stuttgart, 187 pp. (in german) (The technical part is a good german equivalent of Craigh & Vaughan while the sections on textures and their interpretation is much less systematic.) Ramdohr, P. (1980) The ore minerals and their intergrowths. Vols. 1 and 2, Pergamon Press, Oxford, 1207 pp. (Largest monograph about ore minerals and their textures, excellent reference book for assemblages and textures, but not useful for determination of common and typical minerals, interpretation of textures often outdated. Only available in the library.) Pracejus, B. (2008) The ore minerals under the microscope. An optical guide. Atlases in Geosciences 3, Elsevier, 875 pp. (Comprehensive collection of photomicrographs of ore minerals in reflected light. Not very helpful for determination purposes but instructive for comparison with own samples.) Uytebogaart, W., Burke, E.A.J. (1971) Tables for microscopic identification of ore minerals. Elsevier, Amsterdam, 430 pp. (Extensive and well organized tables for practical determination of common and less abundant ore minerals. Only available in the library.)

General Information

Language
English
Levels
MSC
Frequency
Yearly recurring

Examination

Type
graded semester performance
1.5 hour written test in the last lesson (1 polished section: mineral determination, description and interpretation of textures).

Registration & Places

Max Places
19

Course Components

Type Title Time & Place Hours
practical/laboratory course Reflected Light Microscopy and Ore Deposits Practical
The course is intended for MSc students in Earth Sciences. Doctoral students or students not from Earth Sciences please contact the lecturer before signing up.
  • Thu 14:15-18:00 (NO D 69)
28 h semesterly

Offered In