Ore minerals and gemstones: use and provenance

Course objectives

A - Knowledge and understanding OF 1) To know the main inorganic- and organic gemstones and metallic materials used in the field of Cultural Heritage OF 2) To understand the genetic processes of gems and their alteration processes OF 3) To understand the production process of metallic materials and their corrosion processes B - Application skills OF 7) To be able to deduce chemistry, microstructure of materials. OF 8) To be able to solve problems of materials for conservation OF 9) To be able to apply methods/techniques for the study of gems and alloys C - Autonomy of judgment OF 8) Being able to evaluate the nature of the alteration and corrosion processes of such materials OF 11) To be able to integrate the knowledge acquired in order to evaluate the nature of materials and alteration and corrosion processes D - Communication skills OF 13) Having the ability to consult scientific literature E - Ability to learn OF 14) Having the ability to consult national and international databases OF 16) Have the ability to evaluate… OF 17) Being able to conceive and develop a project

Channel 1
CATERINA DE VITO Lecturers' profile

Program - Frequency - Exams

Course program
Physical and chemical properties of metals. The first metal ores recognized and used by ancient people for the extraction of gold, silver, copper, tin, iron, lead, etc. Cu-alloys from arsenical to bronze artifacts and brass. Technological development over time from copper, bronze, to the Iron Age. Use of simple and complex artifacts. Provenance studies by means of the use of trace elements and isotopic composition of Pb and Cu. Information on metallurgy and the technological background of ancient people: examples from the Mediterranean area and the Levant. Chemical composition of minerals. The processes for the extraction of metals. Provenance studies. What is a gem: mineralogy, chemistry, and geology of the deposits: diamond, ruby, sapphire, emerald, crysoberyl, topaz, non-emerald beryl, jade, turquose, and others. Inclusions and the origin of a gemstone. Invasive and non-invasive, and micro-invasive techniques used for metal artifacts and gems characterization. Insight into the quality and quantity of metal ores and gems known and used in the millennia by various civilizations, their distribution and position in their territories, in those conquered and marketing to follow the spread of the artifacts
Prerequisites
Basic knowledge of chemistry, physics, mineralogy, and petrography courses is required
Books
GEOLOGY OF GEM DEPOSITS, Mineralogical Association of Canada Short course volume 37, Edited by Lee A. Groat, University of British Columbia ROCK AND GEM, Ronald L. Bonewitz (Author).
Frequency
Suggested
Exam mode
To pass the exam, the student must obtain 18/30. The student must demonstrate that he/she has acquired sufficient knowledge of theoretical and practical knowledge of the course. To achieve a score of 30/30 cum laude, the student must demonstrate that they have acquired excellent knowledge of all the topics covered during the course, linking them logically and coherently.
Lesson mode
Lessons in the Classroom
  • Lesson code1035464
  • Academic year2025/2026
  • CourseScience and Technology for the Conservation of Cultural Heritage
  • CurriculumScienze e Tecnologie per la Conservazione dei Beni Culturali
  • Year1st year
  • Semester2nd semester
  • SSDGEO/09
  • CFU6