Teaching objectives:
Knowledge of the principal analytical methods for characterization of solid materials, either crystalline and not-crystalline. Knowledge of physico-chemical properties of minerals, rocks and synthetic solid materials and their technologic, industrial, environmental and economic impacts.

Theoretical bases:
1) metallic, ceramic, polymeric and composite materials;
2) atoms, chemical bonds, crystal-chemistry (SRO: short range order)
3) Crystal-chemistry and classification of natural crystalline materials and their synthetic analogues;
4) Long range order (LRO) and crystallographic properties

Analytical techniques:
5) Structural analysis of crystalline amterials: diffraction (XRD: X-ray diffraction)
6) Diffraction methods on polycrystalline materials (XRPD: X-ray powder diffraction)
7) Chemical analysis of solid materials (XRF: X-ray fluorescence e MS: mass specrtoscopy)
8) Micro-chemical analysis of solid materials (EPMA: electron probe micro-analysis)
9) Textural analysis and image analysis of solid materials (SEM: scanning electron microscopy)

Applicazioni:
10) Mineras, roks and healths (asbestos, atmospheric particulate, etc.)
11) Litich material: cements and aggregates
12) Glasses and silicate melts
13) Ore-deposits
14) Archeometry
15) Gems and ornamental stones