Application of image analysis to observe microstructure in sandstone and granite

Abstract

Advanced techniques are examined to observe microstructure of rocks using image analysis combined with methods such as the fluorescent approach and the application of optical characteristics of minerals. Analyzed are discrimination of grains in rocks, distribution patterns of grain orientation in sandstone, changes of grain shape as weathering advances and distribution patterns of microcracks in granite. In Shirahama sandstone, relatively large and flat grains are orientated parallel to the bedding on the plane perpendicular to the bedding, while grains on the plane parallel to the bedding show random patterns. In weathered granite, it is clarified that the grain surface becomes complex as weathering advances and differences among three major mineral species are identified. In Inada granite, intracrystalline cracks predominate over intercrystalline cracks and grain boundary cracks both in total length and number. Furthermore, three types of microcracks show different orientations; the intercrystalline cracks show a dominant orientation which coincides with the orientation of the rift plane, the easiest plane to split, while the intracrystalline cracks and grain boundary cracks show no preferred orientation.