Services
The Petrology Laboratory conducts accurate quantitative mineralogical and petrographic analyses of rocks, minerals, ores and allied materials using internationally accepted techniques and standards.
Main Functions
Performs basic and advanced mineralogical and petrographic analyses of all samples generated from Geological Mapping, Mineral Exploration Projects and Geological research.
- Raw materials testing for the Mineral Based Industrial Sector.
- RIdentification and assaying of earth materials for the general public.
- Preparation of quality petrographic thin sections and polished sections of rocks, ores etc. using precision Logitech trim saws, lapping machines.
- Mineralogical and Textures analysis of thin sections and polished sections using Olympus petrographic microscopes.
- Microphotographs of thin sections.
- Mineral separations of sands, ores etc. using heavy liquid (gravity) separation method.
- Magnetic mineral separations using Frantz Isodynamic Separator.
- Particle size distribution analysis of sands, soils, clays etc. using B.S. sieves and pipette method for silt/clay grade material. Data presented as Histograms and cumulative curves.
- Identification of minerals using physical and optional properties.Identification of mineral phases in carbonate rocks and in clays using the Differential Thermal Analysis technique (DTA).
Methodology / Instrumentation
- Preparation of quality petrographic thin sections and polished sections of rocks, ores etc. using precision Logitech trim saws, lapping machines.
- Mineralogical and Textures analysis of thin sections and polished sections using Olympus petrographic microscopes.
- Micro photographs of thin sections.
- Mineral separations of sands, ores etc. using heavy liquid (gravity) separation method.
- Magnetic mineral separations using the Frontz Isodynamic separator.
- Particle size distribution of sands, soils, clays etc. using B.S. sieves and the pipette method for silt / clay grade material. Data presented as Histograms cumulative curves.
- Identification of minerals using physical and optional properties.
- Identification of mineral phases in carbonate rocks and in clays using the Differential Thermal Analysis Technique (DTA).
Why are we special?
Staffed by trained and experienced personnel in the use of modern petrographic techniques and instruments set up to deliver accurate results and reports punctually at competitive rates, the GSMB petrology laboratory is accepted as standard reference in the field of petrographic analysis in Sri Lanka.