UNIVERSITI TEKNOLOGI MARA

FAKULTI KEJURUTERAAN KIMIA

GEOLOGY AND DRILLING
LABORATORY (CGE 558)

NAME : NABIL IMRAN BIN MOHD NAJIB

STUDENT NO : 2016691774
EXPERIMENT : THIN SECTION AND PETROGRAPHY
DATE PERFORMED : 27 MARCH 2017
SEMESTER :3
PROGRAMME/ CODE : EH243
GROUP : EH2433 GROUP 1
LECTURER : MADAM NUR SHUHADAH BT JAPPERI

No Title Allocated Marks % Marks

1 Abstract/ Summary 5
2 Introduction 5
3 Aims/ Objectives 5
4 Theory 5
5 Apparatus 5
6 Procedure 10
7 Result 10
8 Calculations 10
9 Discussion 20
10 Conclusions 10
11 Recommendations 5
12 References 5
13 Appendices 5
TOTAL 100

Remarks:

Checked by:
TABLE OF CONTENTS

Abstract. 1
Introduction.. 2
Objectives.. 2
Theory 3
Apparatus.. 5
Procedure.. 6
Result. 8
Discussion.. 10
Conclusions 11
Recommendations. 12
References.. 13
Appendices 15
ABSTRACT

One of the methods of determining a certain lithology of a rock or identifying types of rock
is known as the thin section petrography.

The experiment is done by cutting 2 different type of rock samples into small thin pieces,
further undergo the thin section process by reducing the rock sample thickness as low as 30
microns and view under a transmitted polarized light microscope. We are to identify the type of
rock my observing the rock properties such as color, grain size and smoothness, presence of
cleavages and fractures with other various properties.

One of the rock samples is white in color and it is identified as a calcite mineral rock which
has undergo metamorphosis which creates a rock known as marble with a bit of quartz mineral
combined.

The other rock sample is dark grey in color in which the theory could either be shale, slate
or basalt. After close inspection with presence of one-directional rock cleavage, it could be slate
(metamorphosed shale) with biotite minerals. White minerals are also identified in which it could
be calcite, dolomite or quartz.

Both samples exhibit an orange tint on the rock but it should be noted that it could be the
thermoplastic cement used to place the rock sample on the microscope slide.

Page | 1
INTRODUCTION

Thin sections facilitate microscopic study under bright field or polarized transmitted light to
determine the composition, textural and/or structural relationship of minerals in rock, unlithified
sediment, sediment or concrete cores, archaeological material and ceramics. Samples, if
unlithified, are dried, impregnated with resin and then processed into thin sections for the client.

Petrography is a branch of petrology that focuses on detailed descriptions of rocks.

Someone who studies petrography is called a petrographer. The mineral content and the textural
relationships within the rock are described in detail. Petrographic descriptions start with the field
notes at the outcrop and include megascopic description of hand specimens. However, the most
important tool for the petrographer is the petrographic microscope

The detailed analysis of minerals by optical mineralogy in thin section and the micro-
texture and structure are critical to understanding the origin of the rock. Electron microprobe
analysis of individual grains as well as whole rock chemical analysis by atomic absorption or X-
ray fluorescence is used in a modern petrographic lab.

Individual mineral grains from a rock sample may also be analyzed by X-ray diffraction
when optical means are insufficient. Analysis of microscopic fluid inclusions within mineral
grains with a heating stage on a petrographic microscope provides clues to the temperature and
pressure conditions existent during the mineral formation.

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this experiment is to study the rocks and minerals using a microscope.
Cross sections are useful for the identification of rocks, minerals and ores.

Page | 2
THEORY

Beneath the earths surface contains various kinds of rocks and minerals. In geology, there are 3
types of rocks; igneous rocks, sedimentary rocks and metamorphic rocks. These rocks undergo
what is known as the rock cycle. The figure below is the rock cycle.

Figure 1 The rock cycle.

The rock cycle begins at the magma. Magma is a mixture of molten or semi-molten rock,
volatiles and solids that is found beneath the surface of the Earth. Under high temperature and
pressure, magma flows into magma chambers (which causes intrusion) or volcano chambers which
is released on the Earths surface. Magma that crystallizes inside the Earths surface is known as
intrusive igneous rocks whereas magma that is released outside the Earths surface which
undergoes cooling and crystallization is known as extrusive igneous rock. Examples of intrusive
igneous rocks are diorite, gabbro, granite, pegmatite, and peridotite whereas examples of extrusive
igneous rocks include andesite, basalt, obsidian, pumice, rhyolite, scoria, and tuff.

Page | 3
 Extrusive igneous rocks usually undergo weathering and erosion over time. When the rocks
start to erode and transported towards a new area, layers of sediments begin to deposit. These
layers of sediments will begin to layer one after another causing burial of the sediments which
increases the pressure. This pressure is known as overburden pressure where the sediments will
start to harden and form rocks. This is known as lithification and this is where sedimentary rocks
are formed.

Sedimentary rocks have 2 classes; clastic sedimentary rock and chemical sedimentary rock.
Clastic sedimentary rocks such as breccia, conglomerate, sandstone, siltstone, and shale are formed
from mechanical weathering debris as well cementation of other minerals. Chemical sedimentary
rocks, such as rock salt, iron ore, chert, flint, some dolomites, and some limestones, form when
dissolved materials precipitate from solution. Sedimentary rocks are known for its porosity and
permeability properties making it a good reservoir rocks.

As the burial process continues, the pressure and temperature increases. At one point, these
sedimentary rocks will be exposed to extreme temperatures and pressures which changes the form
and chemicals of the sedimentary rocks. This changes are known as metamorphism and the rocks
that has changed formed are known as metamorphic rocks.

There are two basic types of metamorphic rocks which are foliated and non-foliated.
Foliated metamorphic rocks such as gneiss, phyllite, schist, and slate have a layered or banded
appearance that is produced by exposure to heat and directed pressure. Non-foliated metamorphic
rocks such as hornfels, marble, quartzite, and novaculite do not have a layered or banded
appearance.

The rock cycle completes when the metamorphic rocks still exposed with extreme
pressures and temperatures causing the rocks to melt and for into magma again. Each rock has
distinct properties which can be observed and determined by performing a thin section petrography
experiment to get an in-depth look of a certain rock.

Page | 4
APPARATUS

Geological cutter

Thin sectioning machine

Transmitted polarized light microscope

Hot plate

Microscope slide

Thermoplastic cement

Page | 5
PROCEDURE

There are 4 parts of the procedure in performing this experiment.

Part 1: Rock Cutting

1. Firstly, choose 2 different rock samples, preferably of different color for comparison.
2. Observe the rock sample and choose the cutting angle.
3. Turn on the geocutter and open the geocutter door.
4. Place the rock sample in the geocutter and clamp it into place.
5. Close the geocutter door and adjust the rock position close to the saw.
6. Turn on the cutter and slowly drive the saw through the rock sample to get a thin rock
sample.
7. Once the rock sample has been cut, polish the rock by using sandpaper.
8. Repeat the process with the other rock sample.

Part 2: Microscope Slide Preparation.

1. First, heat up a microscope slide using a hot plate stirrer up to 200C.

2. Apply a small piece of thermoplastic cement on the microscope slide and let the
thermoplastic melt, reducing the temperature to 60C.
3. Once the thermoplastic has melted, quickly apply the rock sample above the microscope
slide and let the rock sample stick towards the microscope slide.
4. Turn off the hot plate and let the microscope slide to cool down to harden the thermoplastic.
5. Check the rock slide below the slide and see if there is any air bubbles trapped. If there is,
heat up the microscope slide to completely remove the air bubble.
6. Repeat the process with the other rock sample.

Page | 6
Part 3: Thinning Section

1. Turn on the vacuum pump and apply some water on the specimen holder of the thinning
section apparatus.
2. Place the slide on the specimen holder and make sure that the slide is stable and not moving
around.
3. Turn on the machine and position the plate surface towards the thin grinding section.
4. Slowly thin the rock sample up to 30 microns and once complete, polish the rock sample
again with sandpaper.
5. Repeat the process with the other rock sample.

Part 4: Microscope Viewing

1. Turn on the microscope and the software associated with the microscope.
2. Place the slide on the microscope slide compartment and clip it.
3. Adjust the microscope lens by using the 4x zoom lens.
4. Press Acquire to start the microscope camera and get a live feed of the rock sample.
5. Adjust the height of the microscope slide position and the lens focus to get a clear view of
the rock sample. Use the camera flashlight if necessary.
6. Once the rock sample can be viewed clear, press Capture to take a picture of the view.
7. Repeat the process by adjusting the lens with 10x zoom, 20x zoom and 40x zoom lens.

Page | 7
RESULTS

Sample 1

4x zoom 10x zoom

20x zoom 40x zoom

Page | 8
Sample 2

4x zoom 10x zoom

20x zoom 40x zoom

Page | 9
DISCUSSION

Two different rock samples of different color is chosen for easier distinction and
identification between the two rocks. One of the rock sample is white in color whereas the other
rock sample is dark grey in color with a hint of red-orange tint.

For sample 1, looking at the 4x magnification the rock contains many fractures, white in
color with greyish tint. After careful study of various sources, it is estimated that the rock could be
either calcite-rich mineral which has metamorphosed as a calcite marble rock or dolomite rock.
Since that there is no pores present because they are not visible, we can say that the rock is a calcite
mineral rock. Further magnification of the rock by 10x zoom shows that there are multi directional
cleavages surrounded by various fractures. This further confirms that this rock is a calcite mineral
rock that has undergone metamorphosis which it could turn into marble. Looking at the rock
sample, the other mineral that may be found and identified is quartz judging by how reflective the
rock is under the light. Looking at the 20x and 40x zoom magnification, there is an orange tint but
it is concluded that it is not a mineral but it is the melted thermoplastic cement.

For sample 2, we have a rock which is dark grey in color with some white spots and red-
orange tint. Looking at 4x and 10x zoom magnification, the texture of the rock looks fine-grained.
It also observed that it has a noticeable one directional cleavage. The rock could be identified as
metamorphosed shale known as slate with a mixture of biotite minerals. There are traces of white
minerals which can be identified as either calcite, dolomite or quartz. The red-orange tint on the
rock could be identified as copper or hematite when looking at the 20x zoom magnification. It
could also however be the thermoplastic cement itself as the cement is orange in color.

Page | 10
CONCLUSION

The objective of this experiment is to study the rocks and minerals closely under
microscope. In order to observing the rocks under the microscope, the rocks were cut into thin
sections to enable it to be observed under a transmitted polarized light microscope.

Based on the observation and study, the rock sample 1 is identified as a calcite-mineral
rock which has undergone metamorphosis and turns into marble which may also contain quartz.
The reasoning is that there is a noticeable multi-directional cleavage observed on the rock which
one of the minerals which has this property is calcite.

Rock sample 2 is identified as metamorphosed shale known as slate which also contain
biotite mineral. Because the rock has a single-direction cleavage, biotite may be the closest match
in this property. The red-orange tint can be identified as copper or hematite, however it could also
be the thermoplastic cement used to stick the rock sample on the microscope slide.

Page | 11
RECOMMENDATIONS

Always choose two different rock sample for easier comparison.

Choose a suitable cutting angle of the sample rock to obtain a better rock sample which
may contain a lot of minerals for identification.
Only apply a small piece of thermoplastic cement on the microscope slide. Putting too
much can affect the microscope viewing later.
Do not set the hot plate temperature too high as it can burn the thermoplastic cement.
Observe the thickness of the rock on the thin grinding section using the digital micrometer.
Always polish the rock sample after cutting/grinding the rock sample.
Adjust the microscope slide height first, then adjust the light brightness and lens focus for
optimal viewing.
Do not set the light brightness too high or too low as it can affect the identification process.

Page | 12
REFERENCES

1. Wikipedia Authors. (n.d). Thin section.

Retrieved from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thin_section

2. Wikipedia Authors. (n.d). Magma.

Retrieved from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Magma

3. Weatherford Laboratories. (n.d). Thin section petrography.

Retrieved from https://labs.weatherford.com/services/laboratory-services/geologic-

services/thin-section-petrography

4. Core Laboratories. (n.d). Petrology - Thin Section Petrography.

Retrieved from http://www.corelab.com/ps/thin-section-petrography

5. Crain, R. (n.d). Thin section petrography.

Retrieved from https://www.spec2000.net/09-petrgr.htm

6. AAPG Wiki Authors. (n.d). Thin section analysis.

Retrieved from http://wiki.aapg.org/Thin_section_analysis

7. Geology.com Authors. (n.d). Marble.

Retrieved from http://geology.com/rocks/marble.shtml

8. Geology.com Authors. (n.d). Slate.

Retrieved from http://geology.com/rocks/slate.shtml

9. Geology.com Authors. (n.d). Biotite.

Retrieved from http://geology.com/minerals/biotite.shtml

Page | 13
10. Geology.com Authors. (n.d). Calcite.

Retrieved from http://geology.com/minerals/calcite.shtml

11. Geology.com Authors. (n.d). Dolomite.

Retrieved from http://geology.com/rocks/dolomite.shtml

12. Geology.com Authors. (n.d). Quartz.

Retrieved from http://geology.com/minerals/quartz.shtml

13. Geology.com Authors. (n.d). Copper.

Retrieved from http://geology.com/minerals/copper.shtml

14. Geology.com Authors. (n.d). Hematite.

Retrieved from http://geology.com/minerals/hematite.shtml

15. Geology.com Authors. (n.d). Igneous Rocks.

Retrieved from http://geology.com/rocks/igneous-rocks.shtml

16. Geology.com Authors. (n.d). Metamorphic rocks.

Retrieved from http://geology.com/rocks/metamorphic-rocks.shtml

17. Geology.com Authors. (n.d). Sedimentary rocks.

Retrieved from http://geology.com/rocks/sedimentary-rocks.shtml

18. Rocha, G. (n.d). Cleavage and Fracture.

Retrieved from http://academic.brooklyn.cuny.edu/geology/grocha/mineral/cleavage.html

Page | 14
APPENDICES

Identification chart for the Rock-forming Minerals by Polarizing Microscope

Page | 15