Collection and Preparation of
Thin Sections of Oriented Samples
Vicki Lynn Hansen
Department of Geological Sciences
Southern Methodist University
Dallas, Texas 75275-0395
ABSTRACT concerned with anyway; in fact it is the presence of the struc-
Many techniques of microstructurai analysis have be- tures that leads me to collect an oriented sample in the first
come available for determining the shear sense in duc- place). Strike and dip uniquely orient a plane in space; if a
tilely deformed tectonites; however, these techniques rock is foliated, use the foliation plane to orient the sample.
require that one collect oriented samples from the field Measure the strike and dip of the foliation, and the trend and
and retain the sample orientation throughout the thin- plunge of the mineral lineation (alignment, elongation, or
section process in order to correctly determine shear stretching), and record these values.
sense with respect to map structures. The trick to collect-
ing oriented samples is having a system, or conventions, I use the following notation:
which become familiar; a system with built-in redundan-
cies is best because it helps one minimize and correct AK-2 (station - sample location)
mistakes. In this paper, I outline a method for collecting
and cutting oriented samples for microstructurai analysis. MF = SO = N21W, 52SW (MF = metamorphic foliation;
SO = sample orientation;
Keywords: Field geology; geology teaching; structural strike: north 21 degrees west;
dip: 52 degrees southwesterly)
geology; L-S tectonite; kinematic analysis; oriented
samples; structural analysis.
Le = N56W, 37 (Le = elongation lineation;
strike: north 56 degrees west;
In the past ten years many techniques have become avail- ^ V dip: 37 degrees).
able for determining shear sense in ductilely deformed tec-
tonites (Berth6 and others, 1979; Bouchez and others, 1983;
Simpson and Schmid, 1984; Lister and Snoke, 1984;
Simpson, 1986, among many others). These techniques re-
quire microstructurai analysis; therefore, one must be able to To the left of the recorded measurements sketch the
collect oriented samples from the field and retain the sample orientation of foliation and lineation as a check on the meas-
orientation throughout the thin section process. A geologist urements; make sure that the foliation and lineation measure-
making thin sections can mark and remark chips and sec- ments are consistent with each other and with the structures
tions in order to keep track of the sample orientation; how- in the field. This provides a graphic representation of the data,
ever, if one is sending rock chips to a commercial laboratory making it easy to skim through one's notes and to quickly
for thin sectioning, one must use a method of permanently detect structural consistency, or the lack thereof.
orienting the chips. Outlined below is one method of collect- After recording the foliation and lineation, and checking
ing and cutting oriented samples for microstructurai analysis. the measurements for consistency, mark the sample. The
I describe the process for L-S tectonites as these rocks are sample can either be marked before or after it is freed from
generally most useful for microstructurai kinematic analysis, the outcrop. If it is marked after removal, it must be possible
although the method can be modified for nonfoliated rocks. to put it back in place for marking. Before hammering away at
The trick to collecting oriented samples is having a system the rock, it is useful to look for a sample that can be easily
or conventions which become familiar; a system with built-in removed, yet has the structures of interest. One can often
redundancies is best because it helps one minimize mistakes save much time and frustration when collecting oriented
and correct them when they do occur. I have found the sys- samples by spending a little extra time looking for a good
tem and conventions outlined below to be both relatively easy sample that is easy to collect. A cold chisel (or stone chisel),
to follow and extremely useful. which can be purchased in most hardware stores, is an ex-
tremely handy tool for collecting oriented samples.
Collecting Samples Marking the sample consists of marking the strike and dip,
Typically, slabby rocks with well defined foliation and the mineral lineation (if present), and "up" or "down." Using a
lineation are the easiest to sample and commonly the most compass, mark a strike line on the plane of the foliation (or
useful for kinematic analysis. Obviously, however, the par- whichever plane is chosen to orient). The strike should be the
ticular requirements of the project will determine the nature of same as that recorded in one's notes. Holding the compass
the rocks to be collected. It is important to be sure that the against the foliation plane, mark the horizontal strike line with
samples collected are structurally in place, or all the effort will an indelible marker. (If the rocks are wet a colored pencil or
be for nothing. Remember, "bad data are worse than no crayon works well, but be sure to go over the markings with
data." an indelible marker when the rock has dried, otherwise mark-
In order to uniquely orient samples, simply choose one ings can be lost.) Draw half an arrowhead in the general north
plane of the sample to measure and mark. Rather than clutter direction (quadrants), or in the direction of strike (azimuth) in
the rock with non-systematic arrows or measurements, I rely order to uniquely orient the strike line. In addition, draw a tick
on the structures within a sample (which I am generally mid-way along the strike line in the down-dip direction (as
Journal of Geological Education, 1990, v. 38, pi.294
Oriented Sample Collection
Figure 1. Orienting the sample in the field. Bold mark- Figure 3. Sample and sample markings for slabs cut
ings are the markings drawn on the sample. parallel to the motion plane. The tip of the arrow points
in the down plunge direction, and the tick in the down
direction. Note that this symbol means something dif-
ferent in this context than it does in the field.
If samples have been collected for kinematic analysis, it
will probably be desirable to cut the samples parallel to the
motion plane. The motion plane is that plane which contains
the elongation lineation and is normal to foliation (Arthaud,
1969); this is the plane which should record shear criteria.
Cutting and Orienting Chips Parallel to the Motion Plane
Using a marker pen draw a line around the sample mark-
ing the trace of the motion plane (Figure 2). A simple way to
do this is to place a rubber-band around the samples, parallel
to the mineral elongation lineation on opposite foliation faces
and normal to foliation. Mark the trace of the rubber band on
the sample; this is the trace of the motion plane.
Cut a slab parallel to the motion plane (Figure 3) (or have
dicular to foliation and parallel to elongation lineation.
such a slab cut, being sure to get all the pieces of the rock
back for further marking). Keep all the slabbed pieces to-
shown in Figure 1). The half arrowhead at the one end of the gether so the correct orientation can be marked on the thin-
horizontal line differentiates NW from SE, or N10 from N190; section slabs. If the rubber band was left on the sample
the down-dip tick differentiates which way the rock dips on during the cutting, the same rubber-band can be used to hold
the strike line. Although this symbology (combined with the all the slices of that particular sample together.
notes) uniquely defines the orientation of the sample, I build Next, orient the sample and cut slabs such that "U" is up
in a few redundancies. These are not necessary, however, if or "D" is down. If "U" or "D" was marked on the sample in the
you have never made a mistake and plan to continue that field, it will not be necessary to consult one's notes at this
trend. In addition to the strike and dip symbol, mark the point. However, if up or down was not marked on the sample,
mineral lineation with a full arrowhead in the plunge direction. then the field notes will have to be consulted. Use the strike
If the lineation of the sample has a plunge of zero (that is, if and dip symbol, (with or without the lineation symbol) to
Le is strike slip), draw the arrow in such a way that the ar- orient the sample so that the up face is up. The thin-section
rowhead points in the general north direction, whether NW or slab can now be oriented with respect to foliation and linea-
NE. If one is conducting study of the kinematic of the tec- tion. I use the same symbol that I use in the field for sample-
tonites, it will be necessary to note elongation lineation (Le) orientation strike and dip, however, here that symbol means
anyway, and marking Le in the field will make laboratory something different. Draw the arrow with the tick on the cut
preparation easier. Also mark a "U" (for up) or a "D" (for slab so the arrowhead points in the plunge direction of linea-
down), depending on the facing of the surface on which the tion, and so the tick is in the down direction (Figure 3). Mark-
sample orientation has been marked. If the marked surface ings on either side of a thin-section chip should be the mirror
faces up, draw a MU"; if the surface faces down, draw a "D." image of one another (Figure 4). If sample lineation has a
This will also save time when the rocks are oriented for thin- plunge of zero, draw the arrow so that the arrowhead points
section preparation. generally north.
When taking a sample note any mesoscopic- to The thin section chip is now uniquely oriented; however,
macroscopic-scale structures, and their relationship to the after the thin-section has been cut and marked, one of the
sample. following methods should be used to code the chip with its
orientation. Although thin-section technicians will etch the
Handling Samples in the Laboratory orientation of the chips on the glass slide for a small fee,
After oriented samples have been collected, that orienta- mistakes are easily made. The orientation arrow can easily be
tion must be preserved throughout the thin section prepara- destroyed by the thin sectioning process, leaving no way of
tion process in order to make any use of the samples. This checking the accuracy of the final orientation etched on the
process is straightforward if one follows a few conventions. glass.
Journal of Geological Education, 1990, v. 38, p. 295
Oriented Sample Collection
m m m m M i r n i
V.-.V.V.V
/ W/////////S//////////A
m m m ,
•v/////////////////////,
w m m m m m
/ s/////SSSSS//yy//y/y?M
fcait
Figure 4. Opposite sides of a slab show mirror images WMm$MM
of the orientation arrow.
A ^ /
A
B V l
7
^ A K - 2 ^ A K - 2 up-plunge down-plunge
Figure 6. Fabric asymmetry and interpretation; (a) down-
plunge interpretation; (b) up-plunge interpretation.
Figure 5. Alternate methods to cut thin-section chips
such that the shape serves to orient the sample. The cut
in both cases is in the upper corner In the down plunge
direction. Using this method automatically shows the
mirror image as viewed from either side of the com-
pleted thin section.
The two methods illustrated In Figure 5 allow the chip
to be coded with its orientation in such a way that the WW >>>!->>>>>
information cannot be lost or destroyed in the thin-sectioning
process. By cutting the chip to reflect the orientation arrow, / w • / .V.V.V.V."
the new shape of the chip serves to orient the sample. Cut the
thin-section chip in either of the ways shown in Figure 5. The
additional cut in both cases is in the upper corner of the chip
in the plunge direction. The chip now shows the mirror image
|P
as viewed from either side or as viewed within the finished thin
section. By cutting the chip in either of the ways illustrated in
Figure 5, the sample will have been permanently oriented with Figure 7. Sample and sample markings for slabs cut per-
respect to foliation and lineation. If the orientation arrow is pendicular to foliation and lineation. Mark the sample
destroyed (indelible markers are not indelible to many of the with the double ticked orientation arrow. The tip of the
epoxies used in making thin sections), the chip remains arrow points in the down-dip direction, and the double
oriented. One of the methods may be more suitable depend- tick in the down direction. An MN" after the sample num-
ing on internal structure and fissility. After the thin sections ber indicates that the chip and thin section are cut in the
come back from the laboratory, the corresponding orientation plane normal to foliation and lineation.
arrow can be etched on the glass slide; but it is not necessary
to do this. The shape of the chip, and therefore the shape of Cutting and Orienting Chips Normal to Le and Foliation.
the rock thin section, is easily viewed. Although most microstructural kinematic indicators are
After the thin sections are completed, it is easy to see the recorded in the motion plane of L-S tectonites, one may be
inscribed arrow or the cut marks in the petrographic micro- interested in measuring strain or crystallographic fabrics in
scope. Different microscopes transpose images differently, the plane perpendicular to the motion plane and Le. In order
so it is helpful to see the marker (arrow or cut mark) trans- to orient thin-section chips in this plane, collect the sample in
posed in the same way that the rock fabric/microstructures the manner outlined above and slab the rock perpendicular to
are viewed in the sample. Examine the slide and interpret foliation and lineation (Figure 7). Orient the sample pieces
shear criteria relative to the arrow or markings (Figure 6). such that MU" is up and/or "D" is down. Mark an orientation
Remember that the arrow or cut marks point in the plunge arrow on the slab so that the half arrowhead points in the dip
direction so one can simply record down-plunge (apparent direction of the cut face; mark two ticks on the down-side of
normal displacement) or up-plunge (apparent reverse the arrow (Figure 7); the vectors in the motion-plane face and
displacement) shear sense. At this point, and really only at in this face should add together to parallel the direction of dip.
this point, is it necessary to go back to the field notes and find The two ticks on the orientation arrow indicate that this slab is
out what the kinematic interpretation means in terms of the cut from the plane perpendicular to foliation and lineation.
regional geology. Also label the chip with an "N" following the sample number
Journal of Geological Education, 1990, v. 38, p. 296
Oriented Sample Collection
Acknowledgements
Inquiries of students and colleagues who patiently listened
a n z - y v to me discuss the value of kinematic analysis on several oc-
casions in the field inspired me to write this article. I thank all
• i those friends who were brave enough to ask that one "stupid
S question": 'I can see the value of kinematic analysis and
' N
n
oriented sample collection, but how do I collect oriented
samples, and what do I do with them after I have collected
them?' Structural geologists using techniques of kinematic
• analysis often forget that most geologists (including them-
— ( = ) selves) were never taught how to collect oriented samples.
Furthermore, we've made lots of mistakes developing con-
ventions. John Goodge, Gail Sease, and Sue Smerka
reviewed early versions of this paper and provided many
^ i helpful comments. Hansen's research is supported by NSF
EAR 8715911 and PRF 2116-G2.
A K 2
M P "
References Cited
Arthaud, F., 1969, M6thode de determination graphique des
directions de raccouissement d'allongement et
inter6diaire d'une population de faille: Soci6te G6ologique
- = — < 5 de France, Bulletin, v. 11, p. 729-737.
Berth6, D. Chroukroune, P. and Jegouzo, P., 1979b, Orthog-
neiss, mylonite and noncoaxial deformation of granite: the
example of the South Armorican shear zone: Journal of
Figure 8. Fold-up of a three-dimensional orientation ref- Structural Geology, v. 1, p. 31-42.
erence box. Symbols are the same as in the text and Bouchez, J. L., Nantes, Lister, G. S. and Nicolas, A., 1983,
other figures; MP = motion plane. Fabric asymmetry and shear sense in movement zones:
Geologische Rundschau, v. 72, p. 401-419.
to indicate that the section is cut in the plane normal to folia-
Lister, G. S. and Snoke, A. W.f 1984, S-C mylonites: Journal
tion and lineation.
of Structural Geology, v. 6, p. 617-638.
It may be helpful to make yourself a three-dimensional
Simpson, C., 1986, Determination of movement sense in
model of a typical L-S tectonite sample with the specific orien-
mylonites: Journal of Geological Education, v. 34, p. 246-
tations markings described here (Figure 8). I use an old slide
261.
box marked with an indelible marker. I keep it handy when I
Simpson, C. and Schimid, S. M., 1984, An evaluation of the
am slabbing rocks for thin sections, when I am interpreting
sense of movement in sheared rocks: Geological Society
my thin sections, and when I am rotating crystallographic
of America Bulletin, v. 94, p. 1281-1288.
fabric data measured in the motion plane and in the plane
normal to foliation and lineation into a single plane.
The techniques of modern microstructural and kinematic
analysis allow interpretation of the movement history of duc- About the Author
tile tectonites. Such studies add powerful constraints to Vicki Hansen Is an assistant professor of geology at
regional tectonic models; however, one must be sure that Southern Methodist University. Her research interests in-
sample orientations are correctly recorded and preserved clude understanding tectonic processes along and within
throughout the analysis. Obviously, if the sample orientations the deep-seated part of convergent plate margins.
are incorrect, then the kinematic analysis will be incorrect, and
the study would have been better left undone.
Food for T h o u g h t
Neptunism and vulcanism were both theories of epic scale, and yet their names give a false impression
of direct confrontation - as the power of water against the fury of fire. The central tenet of neptunism was
that the Creation of the Earth was directly recorded in the configuration of the rocks; of vulcanism that the
configuration of the rocks provided insight only into the operation of the process of the Earth. Thus,
viewed as the focus of wide-ranging opinion, an inclination towards neptunism was encouraged by
studying mineralogy and reading Genesis; a tilt towards vulcanism by observing, and reading with an
innocent heart, the landscape of rocks.
Robert Muir Wood, 1985, The dark side of the earth:
London, George Allen and Unwin, 246 p. (from p. 4).
Journal of Geological Education, 1990, v. 38, p. 297