Geology Hub by Dr Andrew Beard

Geology Hub offers a range of services.
We specialise in geological microscope thin section preparation for institutions and individuals.

A Geological Thin section preparation service for schools and colleges teaching A-level Geology specification from hand specimens collected worldwide over 40 years.

NEW: a range of downloadable Mineral identification guides for the most common rock forming minerals (Etsy shop)

We also offer geological tuition for students studying Earth Sciences at A-Level and Degree Level.  

We can arrange bespoke field classes and training on thin-section preparation.

A workspace with a electric hot plate, several completed thin sections
Close-up of a cracked stone embedded in a transparent plastic sheet, being held up in front of a window during daytime with blurred trees outside.
Close-up of a gold and black mineral or metallic surface with intricate textured patterns.
Close-up view of a mineral or crystal formation with iridescent, metallic, and multicolored shards on a rough surface.

Geology Hub Services

Selection of thin sections is various stages of preparation

Microscope Slide Preparation

Hand-made standard Geological microscope slides (thin sections) of individual rock specimens prepared. All finished to a standard thickness of 30um and covered with a protective glass slip. All residue off-cuts returned with completed sections.  

Online tuition using a laptop

Tuition and Training

Online tutoring sessions for A-level Geology and BSc Earth Science topics .University lecturer in Geology and OCR monitor with over 30 years’ experience

One-day courses in Geological microscope slide (thin section) preparation/training, based in the Orpington, Kent area.

Thin sections for A-Level Geology

Individually hand made thin section teaching set prepared from an extensive list of rock samples covering the A-Level Geology speciation.

Geological Tuition
Microscope Slide Preparation
Mineral identification guides
Thin section teaching sets for A-level geology
Thin section Preparation training
An array of completed labelled thin sections from rock and mineral samples, surrounded with equipment and the consumables required to make a thin section, arranged on a white surface.

Worksheets: for the most common rock-forming minerals

Unlock the essential skill every geologist needs with our interactive, downloadable mineral identification guides from my Etsy shop.

Page from a scientific guide titled 'The Michel-Levy diagram' about the plagioclase composition test, with a diagram and instructions, on a desk alongside grapes, a green pen, and a teal colored object.
Downloadable mineral ID guides

Thin section Preparation training

Geology Hub is now running bespoke one-to-one thin-section preparation training courses. Based in the Orpington area, SE London.

A laboratory workspace with a microscope on a white table, scientific tools, a window with a view of greenery outside, and various containers and supplies on the countertop.
Thin section Preparation training courses