Thank you for guiding me. I am preparing samples of isolated planktic Foraminifera from limestone, when some crushed stone samples are placed in acid, instead of being soft and ready to be washed, they become hard and cemented. What is the cause of this issue?
Have you tried different acid concentrations? and what is the type of acid you use? Have you used acetic acid?
Kind regards,
Dear Ghanem
I used acetic acid and the ratio of acid to water was 80/20 respectively. I got a good answer for pure limestones, but the samples that are somewhat argillic or shaly, become cemented and hardened.
Hello
I had the same problem. What you have to do is to stir the sample periodically and wash it after a few hours.
@Mike Simmons
Yes, that's exactly what you say. However, in order to increase the accuracy of the identification and separation of foraminifer species, it is necessary to identify isolated forams such as Talmaninella species. However, thin -section samples have been fully identified with relatively high accuracy.
ِِDear Omidi
In my experience, when adding acid does not help, it is best to crush the sample with pliers (with the striate surface of the mouth) until the mud is removed from the sample. Then place the prepared sample in water for 48 hours, then grind the appropriate sieve sample under water for a few minutes. This method is helpful for separating the sediment on the isolated form in hard samples