AN OVERVIEW ON THE MINERALOGY AND CRISTALLOGRAPHY FIELD COURSE GUIDE AT THE SERIDÓ PEGMATITIC PROVINCE: A CONTRIBUTION FOR UNDERGRADUATE GEOLOGY STUDENTS OF THE FEDERAL UNIVERSITY OF PERNAMBUCO, BRAZIL

Abstract

This report presents basic guidelines to help undergraduate first year geology students at the Federal University of Pernambuco Brazil. It reviews general aspects of the Mineralogy field trip presenting a comprehensive review on pegmatite classification, regional geology of the Seridó Pegmatitic Province (Rio Grande do Norte and Paraíba states) as well as local geological aspects of three mines that are visited and locally mapped. During the field trip, the Dedego, Pendanga and Sítio Mulungu mines are visited, offering the opportunity to describe pegmatites and host rocks in one of the most famous regions that produce industrial minerals and gemstones for commercial purposes. During the visit, crystallographic and physical aspects of granitic pegmatite-related minerals are discussed, including didactical varieties of quartz, feldspars, mica, tourmaline, garnet and beryl crystals. Mining aspects on pegmatitic rocks in the region are also accessed, allowing the first-year student to have an early contact with mineral exploration and mining companies and their professionals, which will be of great importance for their development during the geology undergraduate course.