Cathodoluminescence (CL)

Observation of geological samples under CL, combined with standard petrographic methods, is an effective tool in the characterization and exploration of a variety of economic mineral deposits. Cathodoluminescence takes place when energetic electrons bombard the surfaces of certain materials, and characteristic visible radiation is emitted from those surfaces. CL provides significant advantages over standard petrographic methods in the observation of many critical parameters:

  • Enhanced visual assessment of lithology, alteration, and texture
    in altered and mineralized rocks.
  • Rapid visual appraisal of factors such as Kspar/Plag ratios,
    discrimination of primary and secondary quartz and feldspars,
    and between episodes of quartz veining and/or K feldspar
    metasomatism.
  • Abundances and textural disposition of gangue minerals, such as
    carbonates, apatite,and anhydrite.

    • The CL technique can be applied to a variety of sample types (polished thin sections; unpolished thin sections w/o cover glass, RVC chips, stream seds, etc.). It provides a quick, effective, and economical means for evaluation of a variety of geological materials.