Thin Section Petrography

Thin section petrography is a technique used by geologists to study rocks more clearly. A tiny slice of rock is cut very thin, about the thickness of a human hair, and mounted on a glass slide. This slide is then examined under a microscope with polarized light to reveal the minerals, textures, and structures within the rock. This detailed view helps geologists identify the rock’s composition, formation processes, and history. It’s a vital tool for understanding the geology of an area, resource exploration, and studying Earth’s history.