Basic descriptive properties of crystals as the external expression of internal symmetry, including crystal lattices, crystal symmetry classes, crystal systems, and Miller Indices. The accompanying optical properties including isotropy and refractive indices. Basic mineralogy includes the chemistry and physics of common rock-forming minerals with emphasis on silicates structures and a discussion of common analytical instruments. A series of calculations involving the manipulation of mineral chemical composition and formulae in spreadsheet format is required as a capstone project. (2 hours lecture, 3 hours laboratory.)