An introduction to the application of X-ray microtomography to the three-dimensional study of igneous rocks

Abstract

Imaging rocks in three-dimensions through X-ray microtomography enables routine visualization of structures in samples, which can be spatially resolved down to the sub-micron scale. Although X-ray tomography has been applied in biomedical research and clinical settings for decades, it has only recently been applied to studies of rocks, and few geoscientists realize its value and potential. This contribution provides an introduction to the principles and techniques of X-ray microtomography to the study of igneous rock textures as well as reviewing the current state of the art. We hope that this short review will encourage more geoscientists to apply X-ray microtomography in their research and that this will lead to new insights into the processes that occur in magmatic (as well as other geological) systems.