Introduction Geological samples can be extremely challenging to analyse using EBSD, not only are they non-conductive, but many rocks contain a large number of phases, typically with low symmetry and often producing relatively weak diffraction patterns. The challenge is twofold: firstly the EBSD detector needs to be sensitive enough to acquire good, high resolution EBSPs in a short time period, and secondly the software needs to be able to distinguish reliably between all the minerals present in the sample. In this application we demonstrate the power of the Symmetry® CMOS-based detector coupled with the AZtec® software for the successful analysis of a multiphase, deformed eclogite sample. The extreme sensitivity of Symmetry enables high quality diffraction patterns to be collected in just a few milliseconds, and the advanced indexing algorithms within AZtec, as well as the full integration of EDS data, ensure reliable and accurate measurement of all phases.

A detailed measurement of porosity, connectivity and fluid content is fundamental to the evaluation of a rock’s reservoir potential.

The economic viability of a mine can be determined by the microscopic characteristics of the ore, including the mineral abundance, the grain size and the degree of ore mineral liberation.

Mineral liberation is a critical stage in the production of high quality mineralogical concentrates from their ores. The products (concentrates) must be of a suitable degree of purity for the downstream processes in which they will be used. The original mined ore must be processed via comminution (crushing, grinding and classification) to liberate the desired minerals from it and via concentration (froth flotation, gravity separation, magnetic separation) to enrich the mineral content to the desired level. In order to design, diagnose, monitor and optimise the process, information is needed on the extent to which the valuable mineral grains have been released from the accompanying gangue minerals (degree of liberation) and to which form they are lost in tailings (deportment studies).