Petrographic Services
Thin Section Scanning
We scan thin sections into digital format. Scanning your thin sections is useful as the larger scale of the images makes examining of microstructures and textures easier, helps collaborating on mineralogical issues and makes thin section data more accessible for all the people concerned. Scanned thin section images are also an excellent tool for educational purposes.
An area of max ~1000 mm² (depending on the sample) is scanned with your desired illuminations (brightfield / crossed polars / reflected light) using 5x magnification. The scanned thin section images are processed to GeoTIFF-format, which allows for their examination on GIS software for grain size measurements or other spatial analysis. Check out the short video about examining scanned thin section with QGIS below.
Asbestos analysis from rock samples
We perform asbestos analyses on rock materials. The analysis provides information about the fibrous minerals in the sample and the tendency of the rock material to produce fibrous particles when processed. This information can be used, for example, to assess the asbestos potential and fiber formation in the planned mining areas.
In the analysis, a sample piece of rock material is first examined macroscopically and with a stereomicroscope, after which the rock material is ground down and examined using light microscopy and electron microscopy. The analysis determines whether the sample contains asbestos fibers, how the potential asbestos fiber is distributed in the sample (slip fiber / cross fiber / mass fiber asbestos) and evaluates the morphology of the fibers (fiber / fibrous cleavage fragment / cleavage fragment).
Petrographic analysis (basic)
Identification of the most common essential and accessory minerals, visual evaluation of mineral proportions, assessment of microstructure and main features. Includes a report (pdf) with descriptions and photomicrographs of the minerals and representative PPL+XPL scans of the thin section (GeoTIFF).
Petrographic analysis (point counting)
Point counting method (300 points) is used to determine the modal mineral composition of the rock. Assessment of microstructure and main features. Includes a report (pdf) with descriptions and photomicrographs of the minerals and representative PPL+XPL scans of the thin section (GeoTIFF).
Mineralogical projects
We conduct project-based mineralogical studies for the needs of the mining industry. We help you set clear objectives for your project, schedule, and develop a clear project plan with quotations. We can manage the project on your behalf from sampling to the final report or perform only a specific part of it as a service.
Hourly work
Hour-based light microscopy work. Methods used:
- Stereomicroscopy
- Polarization Microscopy
- Phase Contrast Microscopy
- Electron Microscopy, SEM/FESEM (SE/BSE + EDS)
Note! Currently, we do not prepare thin sections ourselves; the preparation of sections is outsourced.
Ask me more about our Petrographic services
We offer our clients thin section studies and asbestos analytics.
Contact:
Petri Aho
Consultant, Founder
+358 44 025 0480
info@mikronia.fi