Laboratory for mineralogy, sedimentology and colloid chemistry

The identification of mineral phases is an important component of mineralogical studies. In the laboratory for mineralogy and colloid chemistry at the Federal Institute for Geosciences and Natural Resources, various analytical machine lines are used for the analysis of phases, amongst them x-ray diffractometry, infrared spectroscopy and thermal analysis.

In order to differentiate clay minerals more precisely, colloid chemical analysis is necessary. At the Federal Institute for Geosciences and Natural Resources, scientists are carrying out studies on cation exchange capacity as well as layer charge densities. These procedures are, amongst other things, aimed at supplying basic data for giving advice when trying to identify rocks suitable to serve as final nuclear waste repositories.

In the field of sediment analysis, the Federal Institute for Geosciences and Natural Resources can look back over many years of experience: for decades now, an experienced team has been performing granulometric studies (particle-size analysis) and has also been advising other departments within the Federal Institute for Geosciences and Natural Resources and the Geozentrum Hannover (Hanover Geocentre). This continuity is decisive for the quality of the advice based on these areal data held, for the main part, in specialist information systems. The tasks of the laboratory for mineralogy and colloid chemistry include granulometry as well as calcimetry.

Successful participation at ring trials such as the Reynolds Cup provide evidence of the quality and efficiency of the mineralogical/sedimentological/colloid chemical analyses.