A petrographic thin section is a slice of rock that has been mounted on a glass slide and ground to a thickness of 30 microns (thinner than the average human hair). The resulting material is optically transparent, allowing it to be studied using transmitted light microscopy.

Thin sections have a wide variety of applications in science and engineering. A few examples are:

Geology- Identification of minerals and characterization of textures. 
Archaeology- Interpretation of artifact manufacturing techniques and trade routes. 
Biology- Determination of fish ages based on otoliths.
Engineering- Analysis of ceramics and composites such as concrete.

In addition to the above services, PetroSlides specializes in making thin sections of meteorites and other geologically important specimens for research and collection.  We take pride in producing the highest quality thin sections possible.  We have found that the best thin sections are made by combining state-of-the-art equipment, innovative techniques, and good old-fashioned elbow grease.