Petrographic Analysis

Petrographic analysis is the microscopic examination of rock thin sections to determine mineral composition, grain size, texture, and diagenetic alteration. Pioneered by Sorby in 1858, this method remains the gold standard for understanding lithology and has evolved to include quantitative image analysis and cathodoluminescence. Petrographic data anchor well-log interpretation, validate seismic velocity models, and constrain paleoenvironmental and diagenetic histories.