David W. Mogk Dept. of Earth Sciences Montana State University Embedded Authentic Research Project in a Mineralogy Course (LEARN SCIENCE BY DOING SCIENCE) David W. Mogk Dept. of Earth Sciences Montana State University
Characterize the mineralogy of the Black Butte Cu-Co Deposit, Montana Students engage a range of analytical methods to prepare a consulting report for Tintina Resources Professional standards Sampling “Chain of Custody” Lab protocols; cleanliness; safety Documentation, lab notes, annotation of figures… Fidelity of data (processing, representation) Writing (data/observation v. interpretation; citation) Group work; responsibility to project
Project components Literature Review Field trip to project site; interaction with staff exploration geologists Sample selection from drill core; host rock and sulfide zone Sample preparation Cut and polish billets; crush and powder samples for random and unoriented Xray diffraction; Chain of custody— log in all actions done to samples XRD Whole rock mineral content; quantitative XRD Clay Mineralogy SEM/BSE/EDS Identify primary and seconary ore minerals Image textures; grain size, overgrowths… ( to inform metallurgicial studies) Compositional analysis; pure end members, solid solution; Where is the Co? As? pXRF (Major and trace element) Metal credits (Cu, Co, Ag)….Correlation of metals with S.... Major elements: provenance, diagenesis Integrated Consulting Report submitted to sponsoring company; Tintina Resoures
JUST DO IT!