Stereological methods applied to mineralogy, petrology, mineral deposits and ceramics

Abstract

SUMMARY Firstly, the present development towards a quantitative stereometric (or stereofabric) analysis of mineral aggregates (rocks, ores, concentrates, snow, slags, ceramic materials, cements, etc.) is put into a historic framework. Secondly, the details of the methods and the difficulties still existing are outlined. Finally, a summary is given of the mathematical approaches (with a tabulation of basic formulae), together with some typical examples.