Coral Pink Sand Dunes Lab Report

Lab one is designed to determine fifteen sediment samples average grain size, sorting by size and mineralogy, rounding, sphericity, and Quartz/Feldspar/Lithic content as well as minerals present in each sample. In order to view the sample a stereoscope and light source is required. On the base of the stereoscope there is an insert that can either be black on one side and white when flipped to the other side. This insert can make viewing light or dark color samples easier due to the inserts backdrop. For lighter color samples the black background enhances the view, and vice versa for darker samples. Once the insert is placed on the stereoscope and the light source is turned on, the sample can be placed on the base. A dime to quarter sized amount of sample should be placed on the base for measurement. To focus the stereoscope, use the knobs on the arm by turning towards or away from you. To measure the sample, a simple 15- cm ruler can be placed on the base in order to measure from above using the eye piece. Center your sample and ruler so that the sample can be seen clearly. To
This sample is mineralogically well-sorted with approximately 98% quartz and 2% black and red lithics. The sample is well-sorted by size. The average grain size is 0.58 mm with the range of grains between 0.1 mm and 1 mm. The quartz grains are a dull matte white in color with a pink to orange coating of Fe-oxides. The Coral Sands were deposited in an arid aeolian environment due to the well-sorted and well-rounded grains. The grains are well-sorted because the wind can transport a specific grain size range (fine to medium grained). The Navajo Sandstone is the likely provenance of the Coral Sands as a result of transportation and deposition. The Navajo Sandstone is also made of well-rounded and well-sorted quartz grains that are frosted and coated with