VVZ API is not affiliated with ETH Zurich. Data might be outdated or incorrect. Please view the official ETHZ Vorlesungsverzeichnis for binding information.
Microscopy of Magmatic Rocks
Microscopy of magmatic rocks
Last Updated: 2026-02-05 15:24:23
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 ands structures and associated igneous processes; (4) Application of igneous phase diagrams to natural rocks.
Content
This practical course bases on the course 'Microscopy of metamorphic rocks' (P. Nievergelt), 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 volcanism at ETH/Uni Zurich 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 volumes in the class room.Some loose sheets will be distributed during the lecture providing additional information and templates for thin section descriptions.
Literature
There are several books available on microscopy of rocks in thin sections. I recommend the following book in German language (for hard-rockers): Pichler und Schmitt-Riegraf: Gesteinsbildende Minerale im Dünnschliff, Enke Verlag, Stuttgart, 1993, costs about CHF 50.- There is an English translation of this book by Pichler, Schmitt-Riegraf and L. Hoke (translated by Hoke): Rock-forming minerals in thin section, Chapman & Hall, 1997, but it is very expensive (about CHF 270.-). On request, I can recommend other, more economic books in English
General Information
- Language
- English
- Levels
- MSC
- Frequency
- Yearly recurring
Examination
- Type
- end-of-semester examination
Course Components
| Type | Title | Time & Place | Hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| lecture with exercise | Microscopy of magmatic rocks |
|
4 h weekly |
Offered In
-
-
-
Compulsory Courses (A total of 21 ECTS have to be completed as follows: 6KP have be chosen from the microcopy courses (see study guide) 3KP have to be acquired from the analytical methods (see study guide) 2KP from the offer of GESS courses and the resting 10 ECTS are obligatory courses (see study guide))
-
-
-
Electives (Elective courses from the entire choice of ETHZ and UZH courses, in agreement with the MSc committee)
-
-