Thin Section Quiz

Thin Sections in Optical Mineralogy and Petrography

• A thin section is a thin slice of rock, typically 0.03 mm in thickness, prepared for examination under a polarizing microscope.

Thickness of a Thin Section

• The typical thickness of a thin section is 0.03 mm, which is the ideal thickness for optimal transmission of light.

Thickness Gauge

• The thickness of a thin section is typically measured using a micrometer or a dial gauge.

Behavior of Light under Polarizing Filters

• When a thin section is placed between two polarizing filters, the birefringence of minerals alters the color and intensity of light.

Purpose of Preparing Thin Sections

• The main purpose of preparing thin sections in petrology is to identify minerals and determine the mineral composition of rocks.

Role of Quartz in Thin Section Preparation

• Quartz is used as a mounting medium in thin section preparation due to its low refractive index, which allows for optimal transmission of light.

Purpose of Photomicrography

• A photomicrograph is used to capture high-magnification images of minerals and rocks, providing a permanent record of observations and allowing for further analysis.