NESSE: Pages 3-5, general mineral definition etc. Pages 12-14 on symmetry. STUDY OF MINERALS CD. The Mineral Symmetry Module provides a very basic introduction to symmetry of minerals and symmetry elements. What you need to know: The definition of a mineral and how to tell minerals from nonminerals. The basic symmetry units: Symmetry axes (A2,A3,A4,A6), mirror planes (m), and center of inversion (i). We will use the simple notation in this class, don't worry about the Hermann-Mauguin notation (stuff like 4/m 2/m 2/m, we will use 1A4, 4A2, 5m instead. Its a lot easier, trust me!) OPTIONAL READING UNIVERSITY OF BRISTOL MINERALOGY COURSE, SYMMETRY This page explains in detail the various symmetry elements (axes, mirror planes, and inversion centers) read this first half of the page. Don't worry about the chart showing the symmetry of the crystal classes and systems, that will be covered in the next lecture and the first lab