Petrography
Petrography Laboratory
Backed by decades of materials testing experience, our ISO 17025 and AASHTO accredited petrography lab helps solve complex material performance challenges through modern microscopic analysis and expert evaluation.
Our multidisciplinary team of petrographers, geologists, engineers, and materials scientists are:
- Trusted by engineers, contractors, DOT agencies, municipalities, and material producers across North America
- Experienced in identifying material deterioration, distress mechanisms, construction defects, and durability concerns
- Highly knowledgeable in ASTM standards, industry specifications, and best practices
- Skilled in forensic investigations, failure analysis, quality assurance, and compliance evaluations
Why Choose Our Petrography Lab?
As part of SGS, the world’s leading testing, inspection, and certification company, SGS TEC provides trusted construction materials testing and analysis services across North America.
Backed by nationwide expertise and global resources, our accredited laboratories deliver independent, accurate, and timely results to help engineers, contractors, manufacturers, and owners make informed decisions with confidence.
Real-Time Elemental Analysis & Material Characterization
Equipped with advanced instrumentation and specialized analytical tools, we identify the root causes of material failures, verify compliance with project specifications, and support critical infrastructure and construction projects.
Our modern petrography lab utilizes advanced laser-based elemental analysis technology that combines high-magnification imaging with real-time chemical characterization in a single integrated platform. This powerful capability allows our petrographers to observe, identify, and analyze materials instantly without extensive sample preparation or additional instrumentation – delivering rapid and accurate results that:
- Identify minerals, phases, and particulate constituents
- Determine elemental and chemical compositions
- Detect trace element substitutions within primary minerals (such as iron in sphalerite or nickel in pyrrhotite)
- Differentiate similar materials and mineral phases, including gold and sulfosalt-bearing components
- Better support forensic investigations, material characterization, and quality assurance evaluations
- Provide rapid insight into material composition, origin, and performance
By combining visual examination with elemental analysis in real time, we can quickly generate the detailed information needed to support troubleshooting, failure investigations, compliance verification, and informed decision-making.
From routine quality control evaluations to complex forensic investigations, we provide the technical expertise and actionable insights needed to support confident, standards-driven decisions.
Ready to learn more?
Whether you’re facing material deterioration, quality concerns, compliance questions, or a complex failure investigation, our team is ready to help. Contact us today to discuss your project and testing requirements.
Accredited. Experienced. Trusted for Over 20 Years.
ISO/IEC 17025 American Association for Laboratory Accreditation
AASHTO Accreditation Program (R18)
