Petrographic studies play a vital role in conjunction with core analysis. Initial geological hand specimen investigation of textural features, compositional aspects and rock structures are standard procedure. Prior to thin section preparation photos and scans of the original plug are recorded;  often to include  longitudinal plug CT scan, a secondary vertical (axial) CT scan and a white light/UV image of the along with poro-perm data this will give a complete characterization of the sample being studied . The offcut will then be ready for thin-section preparation and subsequent microscopic description.