Test Method Title
Petrographic Analysis
Reference Number
ISRM
Material
Rock
Test Property
Mineralogy and Rock Description
Description of Test
The petrographic analysis of rocks for engineering purposes includes the microscopic examination of a polished thin section of rock. It is used to determine the mineral content, grain size, texture and other features that have a bearing on the mechanical behavior of a rock specimen. The results of the analysis allow the rock to be described and classified. The petrographic examination should establish whether chemically unstable minerals, the extent of that weathering or alteration, and the degree of micro-fracturing and porosity.
Number of Test Specimens
1
Test Specimen Size
A minimum of 2 in of core or equivalent volume for an irregular sample
Keywords
mineralogy, petrographic