Lab Services: Rock testing

Back to Search

Test Method Title

Petrographic Analysis

Reference Number

ISRM

Material

Rock

Test Property

Mineralogy and Rock Description

Description of Test

The petrographic analysis of rocks for engineering purposes includes the microscopic examination of a polished thin section of rock. It is used to determine the mineral content, grain size, texture and other features that have a bearing on the mechanical behavior of a rock specimen. The results of the analysis allow the rock to be described and classified. The petrographic examination should establish whether chemically unstable minerals, the extent of that weathering or alteration, and the degree of micro-fracturing and porosity.

Preferred Test Sample Size

Number of Test Specimens

1

Test Specimen Size

A minimum of 2 in of core or equivalent volume for an irregular sample

Keywords

petrographic, mineralogy