Quantitative determination of mineral abundance in geological samples using combined cathodoluminescence microscopy and image analysis

A preliminary study has shown that high-contrast images of several minerals can be produced using hot-cathode CL microscopy leading to subsequent quantification by image analysis. Quartz, feldspar, kaolinite and carbonates could be distinguished and quantified in a Lower Turonian sandstone. The advantages claimed for the method are: 1) direct comparison of CL and optical microscopy images, 2) it can be readily automated and 3) additional information (grain-size distribution, roundness, pore space) can be obtained simultaneously using computer-aided image analysis.