Vancouver Campus

services

MDRU lab techniques

MDRU equips members with access to state-of-the-art analytical technologies and expertise designed to allow them to swiftly respond to exploration questions and make knowledgeable decisions. We are proud to partner with the Pacific Center for Isotopic and Geochemical Research (PCIGR) and the Electron Beam and X-ray Diffraction Facility (EMXDF) to offer top-of-the-line analytical services.

u-pb geochronology

Using world-class PCIGR and EMXDF, MDRU works with you to collect well constrained, high quality U-Pb ages from zircon, monazite, titanite, epidote, apatite and carbonate minerals in order to date magmatic, metamorphic and hydrothermal events.

automated mineralogy

Using our Bruker TornadoPlus micro X-ray fluorescence instrument and the EMXDF automated SEM, we provide mineralogical data on your heavy mineral concentrates, drill core or other samples.

hydrothermal alteration and rock characterisation

We provide high quality portable X-ray fluorescence, short wave infrared and micro XRF data from your samples to help you characterise lithologies and identify alteration vectors towards mineralization.

mineral chemistry

Using micro X-ray fluorescence and laser ablation ICPMS in partnership with PCIGR, MDRU provides mineral chemistry information for indicator minerals, fertility and vectoring information.

carbon and oxygen isotopes

In partnership with ALS Minerals, MDRU offers inexpensive carbon and oxygen isotope analyses to help recognise cryptic alteration and vector towards ore in carbonate-hosted hydrothermal systems (e.g. skarns, CRD, Carlin-type gold deposits).

evaluation of rocks minerals, veins and mineral grains

We provide UV fluorescence and cathodoluminescence evaluations.

Zeiss Axioscan automated petrography

Our Zeiss Axioscan automated petrographic microscope allows “digital twins” of thin sections to be rapidly collected to bring quantitative petrographic information to your exploration or mineralogy project. (Pricing shown below)

Zeiss Axioscan 7 Geo automated petrography system

BASIC SCAN Cost Commercial MDRU Member
Brightfield, Plane polarization (single angle) and circular polarization channels from a thin section at 5 x magnification to create a permanent digital record of your thin section $60 $30
BASIC SCAN WITH REFLECTED LIGHT Cost Commercial MDRU Member
Brightfield Plane polarization (single angle), circular polarization and reflected light channels from a thin section at 5 x magnification to create a permanent digital record of your thin section $90 $45
FULL SCAN Cost Commercial MDRU Member
Collect brightfield, circular polarization, 6 plane and 6 cross polarized reflected light channels from a thin section at 5 x magnification for a full "digital twin" of your thin section to enable virtual microscopy $150 $75
FULL SCAN WITH REFLECTED LIGHT Cost Commercial MDRU Member
Collect brightfield, circular polarization, 6 plane and 6 cross polarized light channels and reflected light from a thin section at 5 x magnification for a full "digital twin" to enable virtual microscopy $180 $90
  • All scans can be shared either via a online server, or shipped on a USB Memory Stick or Hard Drive for areas with limited bandwidth. Note that “full scan” files will be ~5-10 GB per sample.
  • Higher magnification scans are available upon request at additional cost. 
  • Discounts for larger orders are offered. 
  • Automated mineralogy via image processing can be attempted upon request. 
  • We can add micro X-ray fluorescence to your thin section to help characterize your mineralogy. 
 

SERVICES ENQUIRY

Stay informed about upcoming courses

Mineral Deposit Research Unit
Vancouver Campus
Department of Earth, Ocean and Atmospheric Sciences
2020 – 2207 Main Mall
Vancouver, BC Canada V6T 1Z4
Phone: +1 604.822.6136
Click to Email

About UBC

UBC Campuses

UBC Sites