Field research usually includes geological mapping, profile measurement and key outcrop observation. The composition, structure, structure, occurrence, distribution, rock assemblage, phase change, relationship with surrounding rocks (including stratigraphic sequence), secondary change, formation age and relationship with minerals of rocks should be studied both on the profile and on the outcrops of key rocks. Sometimes, due to the need of research work, it is necessary to observe and study its engineering mechanical properties. On the basis of observation and research, it is necessary to collect appropriate and representative specimens and samples for further analysis and testing. Field observation and research are the basis of all research work and must be recorded in detail.
Indoor research includes the study of petrographic characteristics, mainly using polarizing microscope, Fourier table, X-ray analysis, differential thermal analysis, electron microscope and other methods to study the mineral composition and content of rocks in detail, as well as the structure, structure and secondary changes of rocks, in order to obtain information such as rock types, naming and genesis. On the basis of petrographic study, we can further study the petrochemical and geochemical characteristics of rocks, and further study the chemical composition, genesis, evolution characteristics and formation age of rocks by means of chemical analysis, spectral analysis, electron probe analysis, mass spectrometry analysis and isotope analysis. Rock, but also understand the ore-bearing characteristics of rocks. In order to understand the formation mechanism of rocks more deeply, it is necessary to carry out simulation experiments, that is, to study the physical and chemical equilibrium and transformation reaction under different conditions by using various high temperature, high pressure or normal temperature and pressure equipment, and to simulate the processes of magma melting, crystallization, crystal transformation, deformation, sedimentary diagenesis and so on. In this way, the complex phenomena in nature are revived and reappeared after artificial simplification, and the natural conditions (temperature, pressure, material composition, etc.) are simulated. ).
In a word, the research methods of petrology are observation and testing, that is, the combination of macro and micro, and the combination of theory and practice.