Sample Submission

• Samples may be submitted in "hand sample" (macroscopic) form or as thin sections. 
• The cost of thin-sectioning can be incorporated with any cost estimates.
• Both macroscopic and microscopic samples should be submitted whenever possible to improve identification and contextual accuracy. Samples should be large enough to thin section with some remainder. (Thin sections are approximately 25 x 45 mm.)
• Samples should be submitted with unique identifiers, one number per sample.
• Orientation should be indicated on samples, if required for interpretation.

Turn-around time

• As of March 2007, turn-around time is approximately 2-3 months after receipt of thin sections for small projects (less than 20 samples).
• Large projects will be estimated on a per-project basis.

Costs

• Costs are calculated on a per-project basis and depend on the level of effort requested. 
• For the purposes of estimating your costs, some per sample approximate costs for petrographic analysis are:
• Basic Rock/Mineral identification: $200.00
• Quantitative Compositional analysis (point counting) with tabular data only: $240
• Quantitative Compositional analysis (point counting) with interpretive report: $350
• Add-on textural/qualitative analysis to above: $25 per sample
• Add photographs: $25 per sample
• The above costs include the preparation of thin sections.
• THESE COSTS ARE EXAMPLES ONLY. All projects have a formal cost estimate negotiated according to their unique needs.
• Note that costs can vary with the number of samples submitted. The cost of doing an interpretive report or statistical analysis is the same for 10 samples as it is for 50, thus there can be per sample cost savings in larger numbers of samples.
• Please contact us for cost estimates tailored to your needs.

Payment

• Terms are Net 30 upon receipt of invoice unless otherwise negotiated.

Confidentiality

• All projects are confidential. No project information will be disclosed without your express permission.