The Interpretation of Granitic Textures from Serial Thin Sectioning, Image Analysis and Three-Dimensional Reconstruction

D. N. Bryon, M. P. Atherton and R. H. Hunter
Department of Earth Sciences, University of Liverpool, Brownlow Street, Liverpool, L69 3BX, UK

Abstract: Textural development of the felsic phases in two granodioritic rocks from the zoned Linga superunit of the Peruvian Coastal Batholith has been characterized using serial thin sectioning, image analysis and three-dimensional reconstruction. The study has shown how each mineral phase contributed to the texture during the formation and development of a contiguous crystal framework and during subsequent restriction, isolation and occlusion of the melt-filled porosity. The work highlights the important factors and potential problems in the use of serial thin sections and imaging in the analysis of complex polyphase rock textures.

Keywords: texture • granite • image analysis • serial thin section • Peru

Mineralogical Magazine; June 1995 v. 59; no. 395; p. 203-211; DOI: 10.1180/minmag.1995.059.395.05
© 1995, The Mineralogical Society
Mineralogical Society (www.minersoc.org)