Minerals in Aqueous Environments

3 units

Systematic mineralogy and crystal chemistry of common low-temperature minerals, including clays, zeolites, carbonates, oxides of aluminum, iron, and manganese, and metal sulfides. Reactions between minerals and aqueous solutions, including growth and dissolution, surface complexation, and redox reactions. Role of these reactions in chemical weathering, contaminant fate, microbe-mineral interactions, and biomineralization. Focus will be on processes and mechanisms. Common analytical methods introduced.