Photomicrographs of cellulose peels from the Mesozoic rocks of Dorset

Abstract

Cellulose lacquer peels have been developed, as a simpler, cheaper and quicker alternative to thin sections, for the preparation of microscope slides. The slides have been used to make photomicrographs showing nannofossils, microfossils and other fine detail in some sedimentary rocks. By including staining of the rock surfaces, the composition of carbonate material and calcareous microfossils can be deduced. Where appropriate, the method allows many microscope slides to be prepared from single small samples of rock. Furthermore the amount of detail recorded can warrant numbers of photomicrographs being made from each slide. The technique is employed for exploratory work at some Dorset Mesozoic coastal sites. A selection of photomicrographs is presented and the characteristic features are discussed.