Petrology is the study of rocks – describing their characteristics such as composition, texture, structure, occurrence and distribution; and determining the conditions and processes that formed them. Mineralogists study the chemistry, crystal structure, and physical properties of minerals that compose rocks, ore deposits and other materials.

The following faculty members have research programs in petrology and mineralogy:

Igneous Petrology

• Dr. Greg Dunning
• Dr. John Hanchar
• Dr. Graham Layne
• Dr. Stephen Piercey

Metamorphic Petrology

• Dr. Aphrodite Indares

Mineralogy

• Dr. John Hanchar

Ore Petrology

• Dr. Graham Layne
• Dr. Stephen Piercey