1. 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

2. 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

3. 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

7. JUST DO IT!