Article
Geosciences. A Historical Essay
De Re Metallica [Madrid]
(2011)
Abstract
Minerals have attracted attention of researchers since ancient times. Mineral collections at the former Schools
of Mines and in museums have tremendous educational value. Many metals have been discovered when analyzing
new minerals and not accounting for their full composition. New analytical tools such as the polarizing microscope
contributed to creating the science of mineralogy, while X-ray diffraction and electron microscopy extended the
studies. On their basis the science of crystallography was founded. Fossils played an important role in building up
the science of palaeontology while the recognition of meteorites as objects from outer space helped understanding
the origin of the Earth and had an impact on metallography and material science.
Keywords
- Mining,
- Geology,
- Minerals,
- Fossils,
- Meteorites,
- X-ray diffraction,
- Electron microscopy,
- Metallography,
- Crystallography
Disciplines
Publication Date
Winter January, 2011
Citation Information
Fathi Habashi. "Geosciences. A Historical Essay" De Re Metallica [Madrid] Vol. 16 (2011) p. 81 - 91 ISSN: 1888-8615 Available at: http://works.bepress.com/fathi_habashi/211/