Geologic research often requires cutting through rocks. Reasons for this include revealing the nature of unweathered interiors and making thin sections (= thin slices of rock glued to slides) for microscopy. Ideally (because different details can be discerned), the characteristics of rocks are best appreciated by examining weathered surfaces, unweathered crack surfaces, cut surfaces, and polished surfaces.
Rock saw blades have numerous, tiny, industrial-grade diamonds embedded in the metal. Some rocks are not cuttable (e.g., saprolite) and others are very slow going through a rock saw (e.g., hard quartzite). Cutting can be done dry, which kicks up much dust - this should not be breathed in. Many rock saws use water as a lubricant and to keep the blade cool, while others use oil.
Loading contexts...
