Surface roughness measurements and the analysis of petrofabrics

Abstract

A technique is described for direct analysis of rock-fabric, utilising hardness differences between various mineral constituents. This renders unnecessary the intermediate step of measuring optical orientations. The direct relation that exists between hardness of the components making up a particular fabric and the start of plastic deformation of each mineral can be measured quantitatively on the basis of polishing hardness differences. If the surface roughness signal is digitalised, then it is possible to automatically construct a microtopography, with contours delineating resistance of individual minerals.