petrography
Petrography is the branch of geology that focuses on the detailed description and classification of rocks. It involves studying the mineral composition, texture, and structure of rocks to understand their origin and history. Petrographers often use a microscope to examine thin sections of rock, allowing them to identify minerals and their relationships within the rock.
This scientific discipline plays a crucial role in various fields, including petroleum geology, archaeology, and environmental geology. By analyzing rock samples, petrographers can provide insights into geological processes, resource exploration, and even the age of archaeological artifacts.