Fact sheet
This slide is from the Corrib Gasfield. It is well sorted with a variable porosity. It comprises a range of authigenic phases, and is useful for learning about diagenesis and paragenesis as well as provenance. A well-sorted arkosic sandstone with variety of feldspar types and porosity highlighted (in blue), visible in XPL, this sample comprises some interesting volcanic lithics and a variety of feldspar types. This slide could be of particular use combined with a point-counting exercise. Plagioclase, K-feldspar and quartz sand grains, with variable cement (anhydrite and carbonate) viewed in XPL.
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.