Palaeo-laboratory
Our Palaeo-laboratory is a complementary facility for members of the Integrated Palaeoenvironmental Research Group (IPRG).
It consists of two spaces within the Steele Building (Building 3). Researchers and students use the main laboratory to:
- sort samples
- photograph specimens
- cut samples for thin-section or geochemical analysis
- drill powdered samples for geochemistry.
A second space is occupied by several large compactus that act as storage for samples and an extensive coral collection.
To discuss your requirements, email the Laboratory Manager.
You can also use equipment that is housed in our other laboratories, such as the Sample Preparation Laboratory.
For more details about each piece of equipment, see the table below.
Equipment
Hightech diamond saw
- 6-inch diameter x 0.021" thickness
- Ideal for very fine sectioning with minimal sample loss
- For carbonate material only
Lortone lapidary saw
- 1.67mm blade
- For sectioning of larger carbonate samples
- Located in the Sample Preparation Laboratory
Hillquist saw
- 1.60mm blade
- Used for trimming and grinding samples for thin-section
- For carbonate material only
- Located in the Sample Preparation Laboratory
Magnifying lights
- Four magnifying lights are available for specimen examination and sample sorting
Coral storage compactus
- A large storage space dedicated to coral specimens
Other
- Ultrasonic bath
- Air compressor
- Hand-held drills
- Microscopes
- Photographic equipment