Thin section preparation for geology.
Thin sections used for petrological and mineralogical observations are made in different sizes and using different techniques for curing, polishing and staining. Our products are made by experienced cutters, using only the finest grinding powders, adhesives, and diamonds. In addition, mineralogical preparations can sink in aluminum rings or ankle carry rocks. Preparations are dedicated to the study of mineralogical, petrological or fluid inclusion. The waiting period is dependent on the quantity ordered preparations. We invite you to cooperation.
We also provide petrographic and mineralogical analysis made preparations. We make observations using a high-quality optical microscope in polarized light. For petrological and mineralogical descriptions we include photographic documentation. We also have excellent access to analytical equipment in the field of X-ray microprobe analysis (EPMA and EDS), the qualitative and quantitative analysis we include photographic documentation made in BSE. We invite you to cooperation.
In optical mineralogy and petrography, a thin section is a laboratory preparation of a rock, mineral, soil, pottery, bones, even metal sample for use with a polarizing petrographic microscope, electron microscope and electron microprobe. A thin sliver of rock is cut from the sample with a diamond saw and ground optically flat. It is then mounted on a glass slide and then ground smooth using progressively finer abrasive grit until the sample is only 30 μm thick. The method involved using the Michel-Lévy interference colour chart. Typically quartz is used as the gauge to determine thickness as it is one of the most abundant minerals.
When placed between two polarizing filters set at right angles to each other, the optical properties of the minerals in the thin section alter the colour and intensity of the light as seen by the viewer. As different minerals have different optical properties, most rock forming minerals can be easily identified.
Ordynary thin section preparation
The ordynary thin section is recomended for transmited light microscope observations. The thickness of rock sample is 30 microns and the thin rock sample is covered with glass. The most important in ordynary thin section preparation is to have the most clear observation using the microscope thats why our ordynary thin sections are prepared with full attention on no bubbles.
Polished thin sections preparation
To reach the best qulity of polished thin sections we are using two method of polishing. The first one with no-water is dedicated for clay reach minerals rock samples and the second one is dedicated for rock samples with no clay minerals. For the first methodology we are using the oils and non-water diamonds polish and for the second methodology we are using the water-diamonds fluids. Polished thin section are dedicated for EPMA and SEM research, for the best results of mineral analysis we are suggesting to have little thicker thin section but it is optional version. Polished thins section preparation is little longer than ordynary (regular) thin section.
Polished thick sections preparation
The ordynary thin section have 30 microns of thickness but for reflected light (opaque minerals) or microprobe mineral research we can prepare two types of thick sections. The first one can have 0,5-1 mm of thickness. The second one can have 0,2 mm. This fine polished thick sections are dedicated for ore minerals research in reflected light.
Fluid inclusion polished thick sections preparation
The fluid inclusion thick sections are prepared with special glue which can be removed with tempereature or chemicals. The fluid inclusion samples are double polished from both side and stick to the glass with special glue. The diference form regular thin section is thickness, both side polished surface and special glue.
Thin sections of fines, agreggates or concrete preparation
The preparation of thin section made of agregates, fines is easy using special epoxy glue. For thin scetions of concrete the epoxy has special fluorescent yellow dye.