Minerals and Rocks in Archaeology

Description

Through knowledge and understanding, students will be able to: • Identify the physical, chemical and mechanical properties of minerals • Recognize the physical, chemical, and mechanical properties of rocks • Appreciate of the nature of rocks, their types, and components. • Describe natural quarry formation • Recognizes the most important terms in the field of specialization Through intellectual skills, students will be able to: • Distinguish between minerals types with similar characteristics • Discern similar rock types • Compare the types of crystal structure of different minerals • Connect the characteristics of the rocks with the characteristics of the stones cut from them • Conduct small research studies • Use library sources effectively Through professional and practical skills, students will be able to: • Compare the types of stones used in archaeological building • Distinguish between the best types of suitable stones in the restoration of stone buildings • Use the best types of quarries to obtain the best types of stones • Give a 10-minute presentation on a topic of minerals and rocks in archaeology • Observe and write down observations in a reflective journal Through general and transferable skills, students will be able to: • Provide accurate information on the subject matter • Work with colleagues on a presentation and understand team work dynamics • Critique opinions and scientific ideas and link them through scientific reasoning • Provide accurate information on the subject matter • Use computer and modern technological means in communication, access, and search for information • Plan, organize and manage time • Work with colleagues on a presentation and understand team work dynamics • Create, innovate to find alternative solutions to solve problems

Program

Material Culture Conservation

Objectives

• This course introduces students to geology in archaeology through studying the minerals and rocks. Students will study minerals particularly their structure, composition, classification, formation, occurrence and use. The course will help students interested in inorganic conservation focus on how to recognize the different minerals and rocks, their names and terminology. Students will study the main framework to evaluate the formation of minerals and rocks and how they are important to the restoration and conservation of archaeological inorganic materials.