PetroGlyph features several useful functions: a ruler, protractor, point counter, several rock classification charts, an interference color chart, a mineral list, and a print function.
The ruler allows you to measure linear distances within the thin section.
To use the Ruler tool:
 | Select the Ruler icon |
| Click on the starting point of the line and then the end point |
The protractor is used to measure angles within the thin section. This is useful for determining cleavage angles, characterizing grain junctions, and crystal shapes.
To use the Protractor tool you must define two lines:
| Select the Protractor icon |
| Click on the start point and then the end point of a line. The angle (in degrees) between the selected line and vertical is displayed to the right of the tool bar. |
| Click on the start and end points of another line. The angle between the second line and vertical is displayed to the right of the tool bar for a moment, and then the acute angle between the two lines is displayed. |
The point count function is a tool used to quantify the relative abundances of the various minerals in a thin section. This can help you classify the rock, since many rock classifications are based on the abundances of certain minerals. PetroGlyph allows you to count about 300 points.
To use the Point Counter function:
| Select the Point Count icon. A window opens similar to the one shown above and a cross hair appears on a grain. |
| Identify the mineral beneath the crosshair and click on the name of that mineral in the window. PetroGlyph will not identify the mineral for you in the point counting mode. |
| PetroGlyph keeps a running tally of the percentages of each mineral. The box can be dragged to different positions on the screen so the minerals behind it can be seen. |
| You have access to all of the other tools to help you identify the mineral. |
Several rock classification charts are available for reference. These include identification charts for volcanic, ultramafic, intrusive, metamorphic, clastic, and carbonate rocks.
To view the Classification Charts:
| Select the Classification Chart icon. A menu listing the available charts appears. |
| Click on the chart you want to view |
An interference color chart is available for reference. You can use the interference color chart to estimate birefringence of minerals in the thin section as an aid to their identification.
To view the Interference Color Chart:
| Select the Interference Color Chart icon |
The Mineral Map function indicates the name and distribution of all the minerals in the thin section.
To use the Mineral Map function:
| Select the Mineral Map icon. A box with the names of all the minerals in the thin section will appear. |
| Click on a mineral in the box and PetroGlyph blacks out all grains except the selected mineral |
| You can use this tool with both optical and electron microscope views. |
The print function allows you to print a copy of the thin section. A color printer is recommended for best image quality.
To use the print function:
| Select the print icon |
| Select the appropriate options from the print menu |
| The thin section will fit in portrait alignment, but to include the user interface on the printout, choose portrait alignment |
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