Views through a microscope -- What we look for in cores

Volcanic glass and hematite-stained grains are two components of ice-rafted detritus. They are identified and counted with data produced in total numbers or percentages.

Hematite is an iron mineral appearing in hues ranging from streel-gray or black, or cherry-red to reddish-brown. The distinctive reddish color in these cores makes it an excellent marker.