Geology 331: The Science Behind the Sparkle

This is webpage is just an introduction to Geology 331. Please note that I will use Learn@UW course tools to teach the class. Login name and password are identical to your "myUW" wisc.edu email account.

Contact Information:

Please note: Geology 331 IS NOT open to students who have taken Geology 306!

Important Class Pages and graded work:

• All due dates for class (both 1 and 2 credit versions).
• Outline Requirements (2 cr. only)
• Term Paper Requirements (2 cr. only)

Lectures

Here are a few lecture titles to give you an idea of what the course will be like. Please note that you must use the online learning tools to participate in this course.
• Week 1: Lecture 1: Intro to the Course and Gems
• Week 2: Lecture 2: Chemistry and Geology Refresher
• Week 3: Lecture 3: Physical and Optical Properties
• Week 4: Lecture 4: Color in Gems
• Week 5: Lecture 5: Crystallography
• Week 6: Lecture 6: The many faces of SiO2
• Week 7: Lecture 7: Olivine, Pyroxene, Amphibole
• Week 8: Lecture 8: Feldspar, Garnets, Topaz
• Week 9: Lecture 9: Tourmaline, Beryl, Tanzanite and Lapis Lazuli
• Week 10: Lecture 10: Oxides: Corundum, Spinel, Chrysoberyl
• Week 11: Lecture 11: Malachite, Azurite, Turquoise, Rhodochrosite
• Week 12: Lecture 12: Diamonds and Precious/Important metals
• Week 13: Lecture 13: Organic Gems: Pearls, Ivory, Amber
• Week 14: Lecture 14: Gemstone fakery: Simulants, Synthetics and enhancement
• Week 15: Lecture 15: Gemstone Overview.

Help With the Course Tools: