Seminar and Workshop Preparation and Petrographic Observation

Bandung, June 30, 2026 — PT. Sentral Lab Genetik, in collaboration with the Geological Survey Center Laboratory, Geological Agency, Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM), successfully organized the “Preparation and Petrographic Observation” Seminar and Workshop. The event was designed to introduce participants to the complete petrographic workflow, covering modern thin section preparation techniques through to petrographic observation using polarized light microscopy. The program brought together researchers, academics, students, and geology professionals who were interested in advancing their knowledge of petrographic analysis and laboratory technology.

The seminar opened with a presentation by Verry Edi Setiawan, S.T., from the Geological Survey Center Laboratory, entitled “Overview: Petrographic Analysis and Its Applications in Geology.”

During his presentation, he highlighted the importance of petrographic analysis as a fundamental technique for investigating rock characteristics through thin section examination. The session covered essential concepts, including mineral identification, rock textures, structural features, and the interpretation of geological processes responsible for rock formation.

In addition, participants learned how petrographic analysis supports a wide range of geological applications, including geological mapping, mineral exploration, academic research, and material characterization for industrial purposes.

The second session was delivered by Upit Rahayu, S.T., Application Specialist at PT. Sentral Lab Genetik, with the presentation titled “Enhancing Petrographic Analysis through Advanced Technology.” The session focused on how modern laboratory technology can improve the efficiency, precision, and consistency of both thin section preparation and petrographic observation.

Participants were introduced to the Bain Thin Geo system from Chennai Metco, an advanced solution developed to streamline the thin section preparation process. The presentation explained how the system supports multiple preparation stages, including cutting, bonding, grinding, lapping, and polishing, to produce high-quality thin sections that meet petrographic analysis standards.

The session also introduced the use of Motic polarized microscopes for petrographic observation under both Plane Polarized Light (PPL) and Cross Polarized Light (XPL). Combined with high-resolution digital cameras and imaging software, the system enables efficient image acquisition, documentation, analysis, and data sharing for research and educational applications.

Beyond the seminar, participants could gain hands-on experience with the instruments during the workshop. This workshop provided a step-by-step demonstration of the modern thin section preparation workflow using the Bain Thin Geo system from Chennai Metco. The process began with cutting a large rock specimen into an appropriate size using a cutting machine. The prepared sample was then bonded onto a glass slide before undergoing trimming and thinning with the Bain Thin Geo system.

Once the specimen reached the required thickness, the grinding process was carried out using the same system to obtain a flat and uniform surface. The preparation was completed through a polishing stage using carborundum powder, producing a smooth, high-quality thin section ready for petrographic examination.

The finished thin section was subsequently prepared for observation under a polarized microscope, allowing clear visualization of mineralogical features for further petrographic analysis. Motic polarized microscopes provide excellent optical performance and smooth polarization control, ensuring high-contrast images with exceptional clarity for geological and petrographic applications.

Sentral Lab Genetik would like to express its sincere gratitude to the Geological Survey Center Laboratory, Geological Agency, Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM), for their collaboration and support in making this seminar and workshop a success.

As part of our commitment to advancing geological laboratory capabilities, we continue to provide innovative solutions from Chennai Metco for thin section preparation and Motic microscope for polarized microscopy. By delivering reliable technologies backed by dedicated technical support, we aim to help laboratories achieve more efficient workflows and high-quality petrographic analysis.