Crushing materials for molecular analysis
Our Crushing Laboratory has rock splitting, crushing and milling equipment. It's used by researchers, PhD candidates and students on courses including BSc (Hons) Earth Science, MSc Geological and Environmental Hazards, and MRes Science.
Solid rock samples are reduced to fine dust or powder for molecular analysis and laboratory research. Staff and students in the Crustal Evolution Research Group, which is gaining new insights into the evolution of the Earth, are among those using the facility.
Equipment and amenities
- Retsch jaw crusher and SeiBteknik disc mill – for crushing rock chips
- Hydraulic rock splitter – for splitting rocks into chips for crushing
- TEMA mill – tungsten carbide mill for powdering rock chips
Related facilities
Cutting Laboratory
Get a closer look at the cores of bulk rock formations, excavated by our diamond-tipped coring drill, and examine rock chips cut by our diamond-bladed saws, to discover what they can help us understand about past climates and environments.
Palaeontology and Advanced Microscopy Laboratories
Examine rock, mineral and fossil specimens using the specialist kit in these labs, such as transmitted light, polarising and scanning electron microscopes, and explore processes including acid digestion, air abrasion and microfossil extraction.
Mineral Separation Laboratory
Explore our Mineral Separation Laboratory, where we separate and pick crystal grains from crushed rock for Palynology slides to help us understand how the earth was formed and tackle climate change.
Where to find us
Crushing Laboratory
Burnaby Building BB 0.06,
Burnaby Road,
Portsmouth,
PO1 3QL