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Mineralogist
Mineralogists are involved in the classification and the physical and chemical properties of minerals, rocks and mineral deposits.
Tasks include:
- They examine, analyse and classify minerals and precious stones in terms of their form, crystalline structure and physical and chemical properties. From this study they develop data and theories on the origins, occurrence and possible uses in industry and commerce of minerals and precious stones.
- They may also apply their knowledge to the fields of geological exploration, metallurgical extraction, civil engineering, fire-resisting material industry, ceramic manufacture, cement production and building research.
Petrographic microscopes are used in research for analysing the reflected light from polished surfaces of opaque minerals, and the light shining through transparent/ translucent minerals. If microscopic analysis does not give exhaustive results, x-ray apparatus or electron micro-analysis is used.
Companies to work for:
Geological Survey Branch of the Department of Minerals and Energy, National Institute of Metallurgy (extraction process mineralogy), research organisations, private companies in mining, ceramics and fire-resisting material production.
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