A montage of false-coloured particle images of various crushed ores. Petrolab offers an automated mineralogy analysis and reporting service using INCAMineral, the automated mineral liberation analysis solution from Oxford Instruments. With INCAMineral, Petrolab can determine the modal mineralogy (what minerals are present and their abundance) and at the same time provide assay (element) values and average mineral composition from Energy Dispersive X-ray analysis (EDX/EDS). INCAMineral can also be used to undertake more in-depth mineral liberation and association studies.

The Pelcon Automatic Thin Section Machine used for the production of high quality thin sections from aggregate, concrete and rock using fixed diamond abrasives to produce flat, uniform sections with excellent preservation of microscopic fine detail. The fixed abrasives ensure that there is no contamination of the finished section with carborundum powder.

Electron microprobe map for sulphur (red) and sulphur + iron (yellow). The false colour overlays show the respective distributions of sulphates and pyrite in a siliceous limestone and silicified mudstone host rock. Petrolab can integrate the findings of an optical microscopy study with the results from chemical assay and SEM based analysis techniques such as the electron microprobe.

Photograph showing a macroscopic fracture in the cut surface of a concrete core. Concrete petrography is a crucial technique for the diagnosis of several deterioration/ distress mechanisms in hardened concrete and other cementitious products (e.g. mortar & render). Petrolab can examine concrete materials for signs of degradation, including that caused by frost damage, fire damage, acid penetration, ASR/AAR, sulphate attack, corrosion and concomitant expansion of reinforcement, and to determine constituents, quality and current condition.

Photomicrograph of a thin section of exploration rock core (dolomitic marble) showing fine grained equigranular recrystallised dolomite and interstitial gypsum (gy). Rock petrography can be used for classification and to provide a simple description of material characteristics such as strength, structure, grain size and weathering. A more in-depth examination can be used to provide quantification and detailed description tailored to the specific rock type and exploration objectives.

Image showing a limestone and chert gravel. A petrographic examination of aggregates, building stone and slate is a routine requirement of several British and European Standards, with a common aim to assess the materials suitability for its intended use or for quality control. Petrolab can undertake these types of examinations in accordance with the relevant standard.

Reflected light photomicrograph of a metallurgical test  sample showing a rim of secondary copper sulphide (chalcocite & covellite) on a grain of sphalerite (sl), pyrite (py) and quartz (qtz) gangue. Petrolab provide a comprehensive mineralogical service for the investigation of metallic and non-metallic ores, precious metal deposits, industrial minerals, slags, contaminants and mineral processing products.