Preparation of a rock

 

Cut.

The first step is to cut the original rock in order to obtain a fragment with a flat surface similar in size to that of the preparation which we require.

Polish

Once the flat surface is achieved, it must be polished to remove the roughness of the cut and make it as smooth as possible.

Cementation

After the surface has been polished, it is cemented onto a glass slide with resin or Canada Balsam.

Cut

It is then recut, trying to make the second face parallel to the first and as thin as possible.

Lapping

Next, the sample is lapped until it is only 50µm thick, so that with a final polish its thickness is between 20 and 30µm.

Cover

The last stage is to cement a cover glass on top with the same material used as before, trying to ensure that no air bubbles remain trapped in between.


 

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