Rock Preparation and Mineral Separation

GFZ - German Research Centre for Geosciences
last updated: July 19, 2023

About the Laboratory

Rock Preparation and Mineral Separation

GFZ - German Research Centre for Geosciences
@ Section 3.1 Inorganic and Isotope Geochemistry
This Laboratory is part of:

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Contact
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Description

The section is well equipped for rock crushing, sieving and milling, preparation of thin and polished sections and grain mounts, and mineral separation by gravimetric and magnetic methods. We maintain central facilities and equipment for cleaning, crushing, sieving and grinding rock samples, both for preparation of homogenized whole rock powders and for the production of mineral separates. Whole rock powders (grain sizes < 62 μm) are typically used for X-Ray diffraction (XRD), X-Ray fluorescence analysis (XRF) and for isotope geochemistry.
Mineral separates (e.g., olivine, quartz, zircon, apatite, sulphides) are required for a wide range of techniques in geochemistry and isotope geochemistry, including isotopic dating, noble gas analysis, secondary ion mass spectrometry (SIMS) and trace element geochemistry.

Instruments


  • Binocular Microscope, Stereo Microscope
  • Heavy Liquid Separation Line
  • Frantz Magnetic Separator
  • Jaw Crusher
  • Ball Mill
  • Disc Mill
  • Roll Mill
  • Shaker
  • Wilfley Shaker Table
  • Screening Machine

Analytical Methods

  • Mineral Separation
  • Crushing
  • Filtration
  • Grinding
  • Milling
  • Sieving
  • Preparation of Thin and Polished Sections
    Polished Thin Sections, Thin Section

Laboratory Keywords

  • Ball Vibration Mill
  • Planetary Ball Mill
  • Rock Preparation
  • Vibrating Dry Shaker Table
  • Vibratory Disc Mill

Disciplines

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