For complex geodynamic questions, a wide variety of analytical methods and procedures is employed in the analytics and preparation laboratory. Some of the analytic equipment is located in our group; others are operated in cooperation with GFZ sections. There is also close cooperation with other research institutes, universities, and industry. Interested scientists from outside the GFZ may also use our Preparation Laboratory through cooperation.

The laboratory for thin-section preparation is specialized in the preparation of thin sections of soft and unconsolidated lacustrine and marine sediments, soils, hygroscopic sediment samples such as salts and clays, and freeze cores, as well as of hard rock, minerals, ores, and grain samples.

Thick and thin sections, ultrathin sections, polished sections (single and double-sided), grain mounts (minerals embedded in epoxy), single crystal slides and reference samples of various formats can …

Mineralogical preparation covers the spectrum of coarse and fine sawing work, polished sections and thin sections polished on one or both sides. Surface and thin sections can be produced in Giessen format or as one-inch cylindrical sections. The laboratory is equipped with various rock saws, an inner diameter saw, two GNM grinding machines, two Logitech polishing machines, and a polishing machine for vibration polishing.

The preparation lab offers different preparation methods such as thin-section production, polishes, dye methods, hardening methods and others.

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 …

The sample preparation laboratories provide facilities to prepare geological samples for a wide range of analytical methods. These include mineral separations for geochronologic analysis, mineral powders for geochemical analysis and polished thin sections for microscopy.

A special grinding laboratory enables the production of thin sections of various rock types. Precision saws in various sizes, a grinding machine (MPS), a lapping machine (Logitec) and a polishing machine are available for this.