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Great Issues in Science
HSP 123 & Lab
CRN 4061 & 4062 Course Description The earliest use of materials we consider to be precious gems probably had more to do with their durability than their beauty. Metals and minerals such as quartz or flint were used for tools and weapons since they could be broken and honed to provide a sharp edge. But fascination with these materials has moved well beyond their utility. For millennia, humans have collected and prized colorful gems as things of beauty. However, the history of gems is not all pretty. Gem mining and trading has also been surrounded by controversy and tragedy. In this course, we will investigate the many facets of gems, from their chemical makeup to their appearance and physical properties to their occurrence in nature and synthesis in the lab. While their science is fascinating, gems also enjoy a rich history; we will discuss the important role of precious metals and gems in religion, folklore, art, economy, and medicine. In the lab component of this course, we will examine the science of metallic solids and gems. We will model and investigate the structure of gems and minerals, including their physical and optical properties. We will also learn some of the techniques used by gemologists to evaluate and appraise these materials on the market.
Grading 20% Short paper
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