A new shear apparatus for experimental deformation of rocks under the microscope

A new experimental technique for the study of deformation processes in rocks in transmitted light under the microscope uses a modified sapphire anvil cell in which one of the sapphire anvils can be rotated and thus permit the deformation of a thin solid sample disc. The deformation can be observed during the experiment through the anvils using a polarizing microscope stage. The technique is applicable up to 450°C and up to 2 GPa confining pressure in the central part of the sample.