In March 2010, we acquired a RELION cathodoluminescence (CL) microscopy system (NSF MRI Award#0922942). Fees for outside users will be $30/day, and use is limited to room availability.

CL is a useful tool for mineral identification and trace element and crystal growth zoning, and for imaging structures that are invisible under traditional light microscopy or electron microscopy. Drag your mouse over the images below to see what these rocks look like under CL... you may be surprised!

Several current research projects include:

economic geology research in the Shady Dolomite by H. Cody Amakali '12 (photo by Dr. Sarah Carmichael)
identification of a footprinted ash tuff in Tanzania - research of Dr. Cynthia Liutkus, Mr. Brian Zimmer, and Seth Hewitt '11 (photo by Kate McGinnis '10)
meteorite classification and identification by Lana Morris '11 and Mr. Anthony Love (photo by Anthony Love)
regional tectonic research by faculty and students in the Geology Department (photo by H. Cody Amakali '12)