Geochemical and microanalytical laboratory complex

Infrastructure for combined microstructural and chemical-physical analyses

The geochemical and microanalytical laboratory complex at the Museum für Naturkunde Berlin offers a high-performance research infrastructure for analysing the chemical composition and microstructure of rocks, minerals, meteorites and fossils. The laboratories enable research to be carried out in close proximity to the scientific collection and support projects that are closely linked to the museum’s current research priorities. 

By bringing together several large-scale instruments in one location, the laboratory complex combines imaging, mineralogical and chemical-physical methods in a single place. This enables efficient, combined analyses and methodological synergies. 

The Museum für Naturkunde Berlin is a partner in the Geo.X research network and cooperates with the other network partners within the framework of shared research infrastructures. An overview of the laboratory infrastructures available within the network can be found on the portal LaborInfrastructure@Geo.X. 

What is the laboratory complex used for?

The laboratory complex is particularly suitable for: 

  • material analysis of collection items 
  • geochemical characterisation of minerals, rocks and meteorites 
  • microstructural analyses of fossil and recent materials 
  • comparative studies of natural and experimentally produced samples 
  • interdisciplinary projects at the interface of geology, palaeontology, planetary science and materials science 

Contact

Prof. Dr Lutz Hecht
Head of Laboratory
Email: Lutz.Hecht@mfn.berlin
Telephone: +49 30 889140-8865

 

Use and collaboration

The laboratory facilities are available to museum staff, students, PhD students, postdoctoral researchers and visiting scholars. Use is permitted within the framework of joint research projects and subject to prior arrangement. 

External researchers may also use the laboratory complex as part of collaborative projects. This is subject to the research being relevant to the museum’s research questions and subject to available capacity. 

For enquiries regarding sample processing or the development of joint projects, please contact the relevant contact person. 

Features

  • Scanning electron microscope 
  • Electron probe 
  • Raman spectrometer 
  • X-ray fluorescence analysis system 
  • Sample preparation workstations 
  • Software for image and data analysis 

Laboratory procedures and analytical methods

  • Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) 
  • Electron probe microanalysis (EPMA) 
  • Raman spectroscopy 
  • X-ray fluorescence analysis (XRF) 
  • Elemental analysis (qualitative and quantitative) 
  • Phase and microstructure analysis 
  • Imaging techniques on a micro- to sub-micrometre scale 
  • Sample preparation for microanalytical investigations