Quality & Product Development Division

Microscopy Lab

ACC Ltd
ACC Thane Complex
LBS Marg, Thane-400 604

Phone +91 22-25818337

Fax +91 22-258011301

MICROSCOPIC OBSERVATION OF THIN SECTION OF LIMESTONE /

SANDSTONE/ SHALE

SOP - 2

Objective
Determination of Mineralogy, structure and texture of Limestone/Sandstone/Shale
- Whether Fine / Coarse / Medium
- Whether Equigranular / Inequigranular
- Minerals present
- Calcite (Major / Minor)
- Quartz (Major / Minor)
- Dolomite (Major / Minor)
- Opaque (Minor / Traces)
- Others (Minor / Traces)
- Size Measurement
Sample Preparation Procedure
Thin Sections of Limestone / sandstone/shale for optical observation

ACC Ltd.

Cut the specimen by cutting machine In desired size.

Grind the specimen by Belt surface grinder (80 grit).
With the help of disc grinder & using sequentially different grit paper 120, 180, 240,
320, 400 & 600 grind the specimen.
Rub glass slide on the glass sheet with silicon carbide powder 600 .
Prepare a solution of Epoxy Resin Part A - 3 drop & Epoxy Resin Hardener Part B 2
drop.
Spread this solution evenly on the rough surface of glass slide.
Fix the polished surface of specimen on the glass slide and gently press to remove the
air bubbles. Put this glass slide (with specimen) on hot plate (temperature not
exceeding 80 deg. C) for 1/2 an hours.
Remove the glass slide from hot plate and put in lab temperature for cooling.
Cut the specimen approx. 50 thick with the help of precision diamond cutter.
Grind the specimen with the help of thin section preparation machine
For finer polishing with the help of silicon carbide powder to get the even & transparent
surface for microscopic study about 30 thickness.

Q &PD Division
Microscopy Lab