Mineralogy and Microscopy Laboratory
The Mineralogy and Microscopy Laboratory in the Geosciences and Environmental Change Science Center, Denver Colorado, supports the investigation of mineralogical components of sediments and whole rock materials.
Using X-ray diffraction, the lab can provide semi-quantitative and/or quantitative data related to mineral concentrations in rocks, soils, lake sediments etc. The laboratory is equipped to physically prepare samples through crushing, pulverizing, sieving, centrifuging and various desiccation techniques. In addition, the lab develops and applies techniques for extracting known and unknown components through chemical extractions and physical methods. The lab provides space for the analysis of materials from the whole rock, whole core, and small sediment samples, including microscopic investigations of individual mineral grains.