The Application of Automated SEM-Based Identification of Detrital, Diagenetic and Indicator Mineral Phases

Dear Colleagues,

Automated SEM-based instruments (e.g., MLA-SEM, QEMSCAN) provide systematic and quantitative definition of minerals in a full range of sedimentary lithologies ranging from bedrock to surficial sediments; important data for both the petroleum and mining industries. Mapped minerals can include 1) detrital phases that provide data on provenance, 2) diagenetic phases and cements that provide data on physio-chemical conditions at depositional sites, or 3) in surficial sediments, indicator (proxy) minerals derived from source-hosted mineralization. Along with mineral identification, the analyses can furnish data on mineral properties including textures, intergrowths, shapes, and sizes. 

The accurate, automated, and quantitative analyses of minerals provided by SEM-based mineral identification techniques essentially remove any inherent biases associated with human observation of the material. The technology fundamentally provides digital point counts of all mineral species present in material from sedimentary environments.

With sediment core or well cuttings, the technique can provide insight into the provenance and depositional environment of specific stratigraphic intervals, de-risking elements of petroleum systems in regions where little data exist. In surficial sediments, the technology defines the full range of mineral phases present, and specifically indicator minerals that are diagnostic of different types of mineral deposits.

Prof. Dr. Derek H. C. Wilton
Dr. Gary Thompson
Guest Editors

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