Stone insects

This insect looks alive, but is in fact made of stone. Its color is the original color of the stones from which it was made without any additional coloring. The stones have been put together and worked down to the smallest detail. In geological research, a thin section of rock, 0.03 mm thick (1/3 the thickness of a sheet of newspaper) is created and examined using a polarizing microscope for petrographic analysis and to determine its rock type. The technology behind the making of these thin sections is highly sophisticated, and the Geological Survey of Japan, AIST, is the leading national institution with such technologies. An exhibit outlining the process for creating the thin sections of rock is on display in Exhibit Room 3 on the 2nd floor. Here, by applying different methods appropriate for creating each sample based on our familiarity with the characteristics of rocks, we created and exhibited stone artwork from which the visitors can intuitively grasp the high level of skill required for accurate cutting, bonding and polishing.