Petrography Course

Lesson 1 • Rock Classification Frameworks

Presents igneous, sedimentary, and metamorphic classification schemes. Provides the taxonomic foundation for all subsequent petrographic analysis.

Lesson 2 • Petrographic Observation Methods

Introduces systematic hand-specimen and microscopic description protocols. Connects careful observation habits to accurate rock classification.

Lesson 3 • Geological Context of Petrography

Links rock types to tectonic settings and depositional environments. Students can interpret rock origin from contextual geological data.

Lesson 1 • Quality Control and Defect Correction

Identifies common thin-section defects and their remediation strategies. Systematic QC ensures sections meet analytical standards before microscope work.

Lesson 2 • Mounting and Epoxy Impregnation

Explains epoxy selection, vacuum impregnation, and glass-slide bonding procedures. Proper mounting preserves porosity and prevents section delamination.

Lesson 3 • Final Thinning and Polishing

Guides students to the standard 30-micrometer thickness and optical-quality polish. Achieving correct thickness is essential for accurate birefringence readings.

Lesson 4 • Sample Selection and Cutting

Covers criteria for representative sample selection and safe rock-saw operation. Proper cutting minimizes waste and preserves critical textures.

Lesson 1 • Conoscopic Examination

Introduces conoscopic illumination for determining optical sign and axial angle. Extends microscope skills to advanced crystal-optics diagnostics.

Lesson 2 • Microscope Components and Optics

Identifies every optical and mechanical component and explains their functions. Provides the hardware knowledge needed for correct instrument setup.

Lesson 3 • Plane-Polarised Light Techniques

Teaches observation under plane-polarised light (PPL) to assess colour, pleochroism, and cleavage. Forms the first analytical step in mineral identification.

Lesson 4 • Cross-Polarised Light Techniques

Covers birefringence, extinction angles, and interference colours under crossed polars. Builds on PPL skills to add crystallographic data.

Lesson 1 • Felsic Mineral Identification

Covers optical properties of quartz, feldspars, and feldspathoids in thin section. Accurate felsic mineral ID is the basis for QAPF classification.

Lesson 2 • Igneous Textures and Fabrics

Describes granular, porphyritic, glassy, and flow textures and their genetic significance. Texture interpretation underpins all igneous rock classification.

Lesson 3 • Mafic and Accessory Mineral Identification

Identifies olivine, pyroxenes, amphiboles, micas, and common accessory phases. Mafic mineral assemblages constrain magma composition and temperature.

Lesson 4 • QAPF Classification in Thin Section

Applies the QAPF double-triangle scheme to modal mineral proportions measured in thin section. Produces standardised rock names for reporting.

Lesson 1 • Porosity Analysis in Thin Section

Measures primary and secondary porosity types using blue-dyed epoxy and point counting. Porosity data directly supports reservoir characterisation workflows.

Lesson 2 • Diagenesis and Cement Types

Recognises compaction, cementation, dissolution, and replacement features in thin section. Diagenetic history controls reservoir quality in subsurface rocks.

Lesson 3 • Sandstone Classification

Applies the Dott and Folk classification schemes using modal point-count data. Standardised naming enables provenance and tectonic setting interpretation.

Lesson 4 • Clastic Texture and Framework Grains

Quantifies grain size, sorting, roundness, and sphericity and identifies detrital minerals. These parameters define the Dott classification and provenance signals.

Lesson 1 • Metamorphic Facies Classification

Applies facies schemes to mineral assemblages to define pressure-temperature conditions. Facies classification links petrography to geodynamic settings.

Lesson 2 • Reaction Textures and P-T Paths

Interprets pseudomorphs, corona textures, and inclusion trails as records of P-T evolution. Reaction textures reveal prograde and retrograde metamorphic history.

Lesson 3 • Index Minerals and Metamorphic Zones

Identifies Barrovian index minerals and maps their optical properties in thin section. Index minerals constrain peak metamorphic temperature and pressure.

Lesson 4 • Metamorphic Textures and Fabrics

Describes foliation, lineation, porphyroblasts, and mylonitic fabrics and their kinematic significance. Fabric analysis is the entry point for all metamorphic interpretation.

Lesson 1 • Statistical Analysis of Modal Data

Applies compositional data analysis, ternary plots, and error propagation to modal results. Statistical rigour transforms raw counts into defensible interpretations.

Lesson 2 • Manual Point-Counting Procedures

Demonstrates stage-stepping technique, category assignment, and tally recording. Consistent manual procedures are the benchmark for all automated methods.

Lesson 3 • Sampling Design and Representativeness

Covers systematic, random, and stratified sampling strategies for petrographic studies. Proper sampling design ensures results represent the target rock volume.

Lesson 4 • Digital Image Analysis

Introduces image segmentation, thresholding, and automated mineral mapping from scanned thin sections. Digital methods increase throughput and reduce fatigue bias.

Lesson 1 • Construction and Engineering Geology

Evaluates aggregate durability, alkali-silica reactivity, and rock strength from thin-section data. Petrographic assessment underpins material suitability decisions in infrastructure projects.

Lesson 2 • Petrography in Mining and Exploration

Uses alteration mapping, ore mineralogy, and texture analysis to guide drill-target selection. Petrographic evidence directly informs resource estimation and mine planning.

Lesson 3 • Petrographic Report Writing

Structures professional reports with standardised descriptions, photomicrographs, and data tables. Clear reporting translates technical findings into actionable recommendations.

Lesson 4 • Petrography in Petroleum Geoscience

Applies diagenetic and porosity analysis to reservoir characterisation and well-log calibration. Petrographic data reduce subsurface uncertainty in exploration decisions.