Quarried Rock, Wales

A Client
Petrographic Report OP1 Example

Petrolab Limited

www.petrolab.co.uk
tel +44 (0)1209 219541 email petrolab@petrolab.co.uk

C Edwards Offices, Gweal Pawl, Redruth, Cornwall TR15 3AE

Registered in England & Wales Company No. 4777735

Petrographic Report

A Client

Contents
Scope..........................................................................................................1
List of samples............................................................................................2
Methods of investigation.............................................................................2
Petrographic description.............................................................................3
1) Sample A................................................................................................................4
2) Sample B................................................................................................................8

Quarried Rock, Wales

OP1 Example

Issued by Petrolab Ltd

i

Petrographic Report

A Client

Report identification
Client

A Client

Report title

Quarried Rock, Wales

Analysis required

Detailed petrographic report by optical microscopy.

Client order ref.

--

Client contact

A Contact

Report ID (issue
date)

OP1 Example

Issue note

Initial issue

Prepared by

R Garside BA MSci

Checked by

J Fletcher BSc MSc

Quarried Rock, Wales

OP1 Example

Issued by Petrolab Ltd

ii

Petrographic Report

A Client

Scope
This is a petrographic report for A Client to investigate two rock hand specimen samples.
This report relates only to the samples examined (and any materials properly represented
by those samples). It presents the findings of a petrographic examination by optical
microscopy on thin sections prepared from selected sub-samples.

Quarried Rock, Wales

OP1 Example

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Page: 1 of 11

Petrographic Report

A Client

List of samples
Samples received

Report
no.

Sample reference

Mass (g)

Type

Sample A

1445

Rock chip

Sample B

1190

Rock chip

Client note

Notes:
The samples were reported to represent hand specimen rock samples sourced from a quarry in Wales.

Methods of investigation
The investigation of the rock cores was carried out in accordance with the requirements in
BS 5930:1999+A2:20101 for the general description of the material characteristics and
classification of rocks. A detailed petrographic examination by optical microscopy was also
undertaken. In brief, the following work was undertaken.

The submitted samples were examined and photographed as received, and using a
Nikon SMZ-U stereoscopic microscope with fibre optic illuminator. A macroscopic
description based on visual and manual identification of the material characteristics
at the scale of the sample provided was recorded.

One petrographic thin section was prepared from each selected sample. The sub
sample used for thin section preparation was first impregnated with epoxy resin
containing a yellow dye to aid identification of voids and cracks. A high resolution,
low magnification digital image of each thin section was obtained using a film
scanner.

The thin sections were examined by conventional transmitted and/or reflected light
polarising microscopy using a Nikon polarising microscope. A visual estimate of
relative phase abundance was made. Digital photomicrographs were taken using a
high resolution digital camera attached to the trinocular head of the microscope.

BS 5930:1999+A2:2010. Code of practice for site investigations. Section 6 Description of soils and rocks. The terms used to
describe material characteristics are further defined in BS EN ISO 14689-1:2003.

Quarried Rock, Wales

OP1 Example

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Petrographic Report

A Client

Petrographic description
A description of each sample received, based on a macroscopic examination, begins overpage. A detailed petrographic description (which includes annotated photomicrographs),
based on a high-power microscopical examination of prepared thin-sections, is also
presented.

Quarried Rock, Wales

OP1 Example

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Page: 3 of 11

Petrographic Report

A Client

1) Sample A
Sample details
Sample A
Petrolab ID

Date received

####

xx/xx/xxxx

Type condition properties

Rock chip Damp 1445 g

Sample A

Photograph of sample as received

(scale in cm).
Image A
Fuji S3 Pro digital camera
Daylight balanced oblique light

Macroscopic (visual) description

Sample A
Group | Name

Volcanic

Colour

Greyish green

Strength

Medium strong (25 - 50 MPa)

Structure

Porphyritic texture with phenocrysts of feldspar and mafic minerals throughout the sample. Fine
microfractures throughout sample.

Grain size

Uniformly fine grained (<0.5mm) groundmass with 2-5mm phenocrysts. Fine disseminated
sulphides (<1%).

Weathering

Partially discoloured (iron oxide surface coatings).

Stability

Stable in atmosphere - No changes.

Altered BASALT

Notes:
The macroscopic description is based on visual and manual identification of the material characteristics at the scale of
the sample provided. Colour, strength, structure, grain size, rock material weathering and stability terms used in the
description are defined in BS EN ISO 14689-1:2003.

Quarried Rock, Wales

OP1 Example

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Page: 4 of 11

Petrographic Report

A Client

Microscopical examination
Sample A
Texture and fabric,
weathering & alteration

Constituents of concern

Phase, abbreviation
Plagioclase feldspar, pg

Description

Chlorite, chl
Description
Amphibole group, amph
Description
Leucoxene, leu
Description
Clinopyroxene group, cpx
Description
Olivine, ol

The rock is a porphyritic basalt (main original phases plagioclase + clinopyroxene +

olivine) that has undergone hydrothermal alteration, resulting in partial mineral
replacement. There are rare calcite veins (25 - 200 m) and microfractures (<25 m)
which are possibly a result of sampling damage. The section shows no weathering or
discolouration.
The basalt contains trace amounts of sulphide minerals (visible in hand specimen
only) which have the potential to oxidise producing secondary sulphates that can, in
particular circumstances, cause cracking and expansion in concrete and mortar.
The presence of fibrous amphibole minerals in the basalt may produce asbestiform
'dust' during industrial processing/ handling.

Abundance
Major+

Serpentine group, srp

Description

Carbonate (calcite), cal

Description
Quartz, qtz
Description
Sericite, ser
Description

Quarried Rock, Wales

OP1 Example

10 m

3mm

200 m

Euhedral twinned laths of plagioclase slightly altered to microcrystalline quartz and

sericite, with chlorite inclusions in some phenocrysts. They make up the majority of
both groundmass and phenocrysts, with an average size of 75 m for the groundmass
and 1.5mm for the phenocrysts. The phenocrysts are occasionally found clumped
together with the laths radiating outwards.
Major

< 2.5 m

150 m

20 m

Fine platy crystal masses pseudomorphing crystals of pyroxene and olivine, often
associated with amphibole and serpentine. Also found as small groundmass
inclusions in plagioclase phenocrysts.
Minor

10 m

200 m

75 m

Radiating fibrous and euhedral crystals pseudomorphing earlier pyroxene and olivine
phases.
Minor

5 m

80 m

20 m

Opaque grains and grain clusters distributed throughout the groundmass.

Trace

20 m

1.5 mm

100 m

Original euhedral-subhedral crystals now mostly replaced by chlorite and amphibole in

both groundmass and phenocrysts. Occasionally clumped together with other
phenocrysts.
Trace

Description

Grain size ( min | max | typical )

20 m

700 m

100 m

Original euhedral-subhedral crystals which have been almost entirely altered to

chlorite, amphibole and serpentine, leaving rare subhedral-anhedral fragments.
Trace

< 5 m

30 m

10 m

Fibrous crystals found growing perpendicular to curving lines within chlorite and
amphibole pseudomorphs. Since this is a characteristic alteration within olivine, these
phenocrysts were presumably original olivine crystals which have now been entirely
replaced.
Trace

175 m

1 mm

400 m

Subhedral crystals often associated with chlorite-amphibole pseudomorphs and also

in rare void fills and veins.
Trace

10 m

500 m

100 m

Fine grained alterations found within plagioclase laths. Also present as xenomorphic
crystals in occasional void fills.
Trace

< 1 m

20 m

10 m

Usually preserved as ultra-fine grained inclusions within altered plagioclase laths.

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Petrographic Report
Phase, abbreviation
Sphene (titanite), ttn
Description
Fe oxides, FeO
Description

A Client
Abundance
Trace

Grain size ( min | max | typical )

5 m

50 m

25 m

Small rhomboidal and prismatic crystals irregularly scattered through the matrix.
Trace

5 m

20 m

10 m

Rare small irregular grains found throughout the matrix.

Notes:
Some constituents present can be of concern in particular circumstances for specific end uses.
Visual estimate of abundance is approximate: Trace < 2% Minor > 2% < 10% Major > 10% Major+ > 50%.

Thin section(s)
B

Sample A

Low magnification view of sample thin

section.
Image B
Epson scanner
White cold cathode light

Quarried Rock, Wales

OP1 Example

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Page: 6 of 11

Petrographic Report

A Client

Photomicrographs
C

Sample A

General view of sample showing

porphyritic texture and some of the
mineral alteration, especially to chlorite
(chl). An unaltered clinopyroxene
crystal (cpx) is also visible.

cpx

Image C
Nikon Labophot-2 petrological
microscope
Plane polarised transmitted light
x25

chl

1 mm

Sample A

View under crossed polars showing

original plagioclase (pg) and
clinopyroxene (cpx) phenocrysts as well
as an original olivine crystal that has
been replaced by chlorite (chl).

pg

pg

Image D
Nikon Labophot-2 petrological
microscope
Cross polarised transmitted light
x25

cpx

chl

1 mm

Quarried Rock, Wales

OP1 Example

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Page: 7 of 11

Petrographic Report

A Client

2) Sample B
Sample details
Sample B
Petrolab ID

Date received

####

xx/xx/xxxx

Type condition properties

Rock chip Damp 1190 g

Client note:

Sample B

Photograph of sample as received

(scale in cm).
Image A
Fuji S3 Pro digital camera
Daylight balanced oblique light

Macroscopic (visual) description

Sample B
Group | Name

Hypabyssal

Colour

Greyish green

Strength

Medium strong (25 - 50 MPa)

Structure

No layering seen at sample scale. Spherulitic texture with radiating feldspars, sometimes with a
thin rim of sulphides. Fine microfractures throughout sample.

Grain size

Uniformly medium grained (<2-5mm). Fine grained sulphides (<1%) around the edge of some
white feldspar spots.

Weathering

Partially discoloured (iron oxide surface coatings).

Stability

Stable in atmosphere - No changes.

Altered DOLERITE

Notes:
The macroscopic description is based on visual and manual identification of the material characteristics at the scale of
the sample provided. Colour, strength, structure, grain size, rock material weathering and stability terms used in the
description are defined in BS EN ISO 14689-1:2003.

Quarried Rock, Wales

OP1 Example

Issued by Petrolab Ltd

Page: 8 of 11

Petrographic Report

A Client

Microscopical examination
Sample B
Texture and fabric,
weathering & alteration

Constituents of concern

Phase, abbreviation
Plagioclase feldspar, pg
Description
Carbonate (calcite), cal
Description
Chlorite, chl

Description

Olivine, ol

The rock is an equigranular dolerite (plagioclase + clinopyroxene + olivine) that has

undergone hydrothermal alteration, resulting in extensive mineral replacement. There
are rare microfractures (<25 m) which are possibly a result of sampling damage. The
section shows no weathering or discolouration.
The dolerite contains trace amounts of sulphide minerals (visible in hand specimen
only) which have the potential to oxidise producing secondary sulphates that can, in
particular circumstances, cause cracking and expansion in concrete and mortar.
The presence of fibrous amphibole minerals in the dolerite may produce asbestiform
'dust' during industrial processing/ handling.

Abundance
Major

Clinopyroxene group, cpx

Description
Amphibole group, amph
Description
Quartz, qtz
Description
Sericite, ser
Description
Serpentine group, srp
Description
Leucoxene, leu
Description
Sphene (titanite), ttn
Description

Quarried Rock, Wales

OP1 Example

70 m

1.5 mm

600 m

Euhedral twinned laths of plagioclase with small inclusions of microcrystalline quartz

and sericite. In some places largely altered to calcite, while in others starting to alter to
chlorite.
Major

5 m

1 mm

125 m

Subhedral crystals pseudomorphing original plagioclase and (to a lesser extent)

olivine and pyroxene. Also found as occasional void fills.
Major

< 2.5 m

300 m

50 m

Fine platy crystal masses pseudomorphing crystals of pyroxene and olivine, often
associated with amphibole and serpentine. Sometimes forms complex intergrowths
with calcite. Also found replacing plagioclase along with microcrystalline quartz and
sericite.
Minor

Description

Grain size ( min | max | typical )

20 m

250 m

100 m

Original euhedral-subhedral crystals which have been almost entirely altered to

chlorite, amphibole and serpentine, leaving rare subhedral-anhedral fragments.
Minor

20 m

300 mm

100 m

Original euhedral-subhedral crystals now mostly replaced by chlorite, amphibole and

calcite.
Minor

< 5 m

200 m

75 m

Fibrous and euhedral crystals pseudomorphing earlier pyroxene and olivine phases,
associated with chlorite and calcite.
Trace

5 m

300 m

50 m

Fine grained alterations found within plagioclase laths. Also present as xenomorphic
crystals in occasional void fills.
Trace

< 1 m

20 m

10 m

Usually preserved as ultra-fine grained inclusions within altered plagioclase laths.

Trace

< 1 m

10 m

5 m

Fibrous crystals found growing perpendicular to curving lines within chlorite and
amphibole pseudomorphs of olivine.
Trace

5 m

225 m

75 m

Opaque grains and grain clusters distributed throughout the groundmass.

Trace

5 m

50 m

25 m

Small rhomboidal and prismatic crystals irregularly scattered through the matrix.

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Petrographic Report
Phase, abbreviation
Apatite group, ap
Description
Fe oxides, FeO
Description

A Client
Abundance
Trace

Grain size ( min | max | typical )

5 m

20 m

10 m

20 m

10 m

Small prismatic crystals scattered through the matrix.

Trace

5 m

Rare small anhedral-subhedral grains found throughout the matrix. Includes some
haematite.

Notes:
Some constituents present can be of concern in particular circumstances for specific end uses.
Visual estimate of abundance is approximate: Trace < 2% Minor > 2% < 10% Major > 10% Major+ > 50%.

Thin section(s)
B

Sample B

Low magnification view of sample thin

section.
Image B
Epson scanner
White cold cathode light

Quarried Rock, Wales

OP1 Example

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Petrographic Report

A Client

Photomicrographs
C

Sample B

General view of sample showing an

unaltered plagioclase (pg) and the
predominant alteration products of
chlorite (chl), calcite (cal) and
amphibole (amp).

cal

pg
amp

Image C
Nikon Labophot-2 petrological
microscope
Plane polarised transmitted light
x25

chl

1 mm

Sample B

View as per image 'C' with cross

polarised transmitted light.

cal

pg

Image D
Nikon Labophot-2 petrological
microscope
Cross polarised transmitted light
x25

amp

chl

1 mm

Quarried Rock, Wales

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