Mineralogy and Crystallography

The theoretical aspect includes research on the morphology (symmetry; crystallography) of the mineral individuals and aggregates, their structural characteristics, chemical composition and forms of isomorphism, the various physical properties, paragenetic analysis and physical and chemical conditions in the different mineral-forming processes.

With regard to the type of minerals, mineral species of all known mineral classes may be included here as well as relevant technogenic products on a mineral base.

With regard to the applied aspect of the doctoral programme, besides the study of natural systems’ objects, a whole group of interdisciplinary fields can also be mentioned such as: Gemology (the science of precious and decorative natural and related materials); Technical and Experimental Mineralogy (synthesis and analysis of materials); Ecological Mineralogy (eco-mineralogy, medical mineralogy); Archaeological Mineralogy (archeominerology, geoarchaeology); Ethnological Mineralogy (ethnominerology); Biological Mineralogy (biomineralogy); Technogenic Mineralogy; Meteorics, etc.

Particular attention is paid to the well-known and newer analytical, structural and spectroscopic methods for diagnostics and identification of various natural mineral sites and raw materials or their artificial analogues and modifications.

Some software products are included in certain methods. The knowledge and skills acquired will provide the future PhD graduate with the attitude and readiness to work both at academic and scientific institutions, as well as at enterprises and companies related to the prospecting, exploration, mining, analysis, processing, obtaining and evaluating different natural and synthetic materials.