Free course

An introduction to minerals and rocks under the microscope

Free statement of participation on completion
An introduction to minerals and rocks under the microscope
More about this course

Course description

Course content

Course reviews

In this free course, An introduction to minerals and rocks under the microscope, you will experience the study of minerals using a polarising microscope. While the study of minerals can involve electron or ion beam chemical analysis, the polarising microscope remains the prime tool for the study of rock thin sections and is the foundation of learning to recognise, characterise and identify rocks.

Course learning outcomes

After studying this course, you should be able to:

  • understand the facts, concepts, principles, theories, classification systems and language associated with minerals and rocks
  • use the essential terms, concepts and strategies of mineralogy
  • apply knowledge and understanding of the study of rock thin sections using a polarising microscope
  • work with and recognise a variety of minerals and microtextures in igneous, metamorphic and sedimentary rocks
  • make systematic descriptions and identifications of minerals in rocks, observing them using images of thin sections viewed under a polarising microscope, and deduce how and in what environments the minerals and rocks were formed.

First Published: 02/11/2012

Updated: 15/10/2018

You can start this course right now without signing-up. Click on any of the course content sections below to start at any point in this course.
If you want to be able to track your progress, earn a free Statement of Participation, and access all course quizzes and activities, sign-up.

Course content

Expand all course content

For further information, take a look at our frequently asked questions which may give you the support you need.

Have a question?

Take your learning further

Making the decision to study can be a big step, which is why you'll want a trusted University. The Open University has 50 years’ experience delivering flexible learning and 170,000 students are studying with us right now. Take a look at all Open University courses.

If you are new to University-level study, we offer two introductory routes to our qualifications. You could either choose to start with an Access module, or a module which allows you to count your previous learning towards an Open University qualification. Read our guide on Where to take your learning next for more information.

Not ready for formal University study? Then browse over 1000 free courses on OpenLearn and sign up to our newsletter to hear about new free courses as they are released.

Every year, thousands of students decide to study with The Open University. With over 120 qualifications, we’ve got the right course for you.

Request an Open University prospectus371

S276_1