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Department of Archaeology
HomeDepartment of ArchaeologyAbout usFacilitiesMary Cudworth Thin-Sectioning Lab

Mary Cudworth Thin-Sectioning Lab

The Mary Cudworth Thin-Sectioning Lab is a sample preparation and analysis laboratory for archaeological materials.

This laboratory is used for the preparation of samples including bone, shell, teeth, ceramic and metal, ready for analysis using reflected and transmitted light microscopy, SEM and pXRF.

It houses a range of sample processing equipment including:

  • Grinders and polishers
  • Small tile saws through to large rock saws
  • Thin sectioning equipment
  • A fume cupboard
  • Sonic baths
  • Vacuum ovens, and
  • Impregnation equipment.

The thin sectioning equipment allows trained staff and students to produce high quality thin, thick and polished sections of samples.

A thin section machine on a laboratory bench