The Department of Mineralogy and Petrography (TOP) operates under the Directorate of Mineral Resources and Mining (DOPME) of HSGME and consists of the following laboratories:
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Scanning Electron Microscopy and Microanalysis Laboratory (SEM-EDS), equipped with a state-of-the-art JEOL JSM-IT500LV scanning electron microscope and an Oxford Ultim Max 100 energy-dispersive X-ray spectrometer (EDS). Scanning Electron Microscopy is one of the most modern and versatile methods for analyzing the microstructure of a wide variety of materials, producing high-resolution images. Applications include Paleontology (study of fossil morphology, particularly microfossils), Sedimentology (study of sediment grains, porosity, and structure), Mineralogy (crystal morphology at microscale, identification of secondary minerals from alteration of primary mineral components), as well as Petrology and Ore Deposit Geology (detection and identification of mineral phases and ore minerals present in low concentrations).
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X-Ray Laboratory, equipped with a PANALYTICAL X’ Pert PRO X-ray Diffractometer (XRD), a BRUCKER AXS S4 PIONEER X-ray Fluorescence Spectrometer (XRF), and an Equilab FX Series fully automated fusion machine for improved accuracy in powder sample analysis. The laboratory specializes in the qualitative and quantitative determination of mineralogical and chemical composition of geological, ceramic, construction, aggregate, and other samples submitted to EAGME by both private sector entities (engineering firms, mining companies, building materials companies, individuals, etc.) and public institutions (ministries, archaeological services, etc.).
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Thin and Polished Section Preparation Laboratory, which processes rocks, sediments, and fossils. It includes all necessary cutting and grinding equipment, and is responsible for cutting, crushing, and powdering rocks, as well as preparing thin and polished sections.
The Department’s laboratory equipment also includes polarizing optical microscopes with transmitted and reflected light for microscopic observation and petrographic analysis of rock samples, as well as a stereoscope for three-dimensional observation of fine particles (minerals, ash, etc.). In addition, there is laboratory equipment for determining the physicochemical properties of rocks and other materials, as well as for isolating clay fractions.