Description

The Sample Preparation Service groups several laboratories for the preparation of samples of different nature, to perform various types of analysis. Each laboratory has specific technical personnel and scientific advisors.

Preparation of thin sections and polished blocks

This laboratory prepares thin sections, polished thin sections and polished blocks for study using transmitted and reflected light microscopy and electronic microprobe, transmission electron microscopy and laser ablation. Furthermore, doubly polished sections are also prepared for study of fluid inclusions, and sections and blocks of mineral concentrates are also prepared.

The laboratory is equipped with a Struers Planopol – V polishing wheel, a Microtec automatic thin sectioning system, a Petro-Thin sectioning system by Buehler, two microscopes (one transmitted, the other reflected light), complementary apparatus, etc.

Responsible technician: Sonia Sánchez Librero

Scientific advisor: Fernando Gervilla Linares

Milling Room

The laboratory is equipped with apparatus for sample preparation for subsequent analysis using a number of techniques:

• Rock cutting
• Crushing
• Grinding to a selected grain-size for analysis
• Homogenization
• Granulometric separation by sieving
• Heavy mineral separation using a concentrating table, a Frantz isodynamic magnetic separator, and heavy liquids.

The laboratory includes a disk mill Retsch DM200, a vibratory disk mill Retsch RS200, a sieve shaker Retsch AS200, jaw crushers Retsch BB200, Wilfley shaking table, a Frantz isodynamic magnetic separator, tungsten carbide, steel and agate mortar grinders.

Responsible technician: Inmaculada Martínez Segura

Scientific advisor: César Viseras Iborra

Geochemical Analysis

This laboratory is used for sample preparation, in particular for preparation of fused beads and pressed pellets of powdered samples for X ray Fluorescence analyses, for digestion of samples for analysis by atomic absorption (AA), Inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) and Inductively Coupled Plasma Optical Emission Spectroscopy (ICP-OES), and for mineral separation by sequential chemical leaching.

The laboratory is equipped with two fume hoods for the acid attack of samples and the use of different types of reagents, as well as with precision balances, ovens and furnaces, ultracentrifuges and an accessory laboratory material.

Scientific advisor: Francisca Martínez Ruiz