Microscopy: Sediment petrographic investigation of the Meuro Formation

In the course of the master thesis “Lithofacies classification of sediments of the Meuro Formation in the open lignite pit Nochten” by Patrick Bieder, curated by Lausitz Energie Bergbau AG, sediment petrographic investigation was done on chosen samples. Among others, the aim of the thesis was to create a formation model for parts of the Meuro Formation.

On the part of LAOP following methods for professional support were applied:

• X-ray fluorescence analysis (XRF analysis)
• On sieved samples surface and roundness of the minerals were examined by scanning electron microscopy
• Thin section microscopy for differentiation of quartz varieties by their origin (magmatic or metamorphic)
• Heavy mineral analysis

By use of this methods suggestions for the contemplable bedrock areas and the depositional environment could be worked out in the master thesis.

An example for the application of heavy mineral analysis was the description of the previously assumed beach placers in parts of the Meuro Formation. The heavy mineral analysis of samples out of those areas showed the enrichment of zircon, monazite and rutile, which support the placer theory. For detailed description of the minerals our scanning electron microscope with EDX was called into action.