Crystallography

Crystallography is the science that studies crystals, their forms, structures, and optical properties.
It helps us understand the internal order of matter and the way it expresses itself through external symmetry and light behavior.
In geology, crystallography is fundamental to the identification and classification of minerals.

Course Content

🧩 Part I: Geometric Crystallography

Focuses on the external geometry and symmetry of crystals.

Main topics:

1. States of matter and the crystalline state.

2. The concept of the crystal lattice and unit cell.

3. Symmetry elements: planes, axes, and centers.

4. Crystal systems and classes.

5. Crystal forms and their geometric representation.

6. Crystal habits and physical properties.

   🌈 Part II: Optical Crystallography

   Studies the interaction between light and crystals to identify and characterize minerals.

   Main topics:

   1. Nature of light and optical principles.

   2. Isotropic and anisotropic media.

   3. Polarized light and optical microscopy.

   4. Uniaxial and biaxial crystals.

   5. Optical indicatrix and interference figures.

   6. Use of the polarizing microscope in mineral identification.