Fact sheet
Exhibits differences between monocrystalline and polycrystalline quartz. A well-sorted aeolian sandstone with sub-rounded to rounded grains with iron-coating. Quartz cement as quartz overgrowths. Line contacts and some curved contacts (effect of burial pressure). Uneven porosity distribution due to lamination. The Penrith Sandstone Formation dates from 271 to 299 million years ago (Permian) The local environment was dominated by wind blown deposits.
A group of iCRAG members (UCC, TCD, NUIG and UCD) in partnership with The Open University have created a new collection of Irish rocks and associated learning materials for the Virtual Microscope of Earth Sciences.
The project which is entitled 'The Geoscience e-Laboratory (GeoLab): Developing Digital Teaching and Learning Resources for the Virtual Microscope' seeks to develop open access teaching resources in the form of interactive exercises and assessment rubrics for the Virtual Microscope. Find out more about the project at the GeoLab website.
The Collection was created using funding from the Faculty of Engineering, Mathematics and Science at Trinity College, Dublin, and the National Forum Teaching and Learning Enhancement Fund. One sample (Merensky Reef) showcasing x-ray element maps in addition to the usual PPL/XPL/REF images was funded by Prof. Balz Kamber's MetalIntelligence EU training network grant.