The ideal slide contains particle sizes range between 0 and 30µm with an even spatial distribution throughout this slide. The gap between individual particles should be sufficient to able nannofossils to be easily located and identified.
The particle size variation must be constant between nannologist, but can be modified according to the age of sediments. The size variation may be controlled by the time allowed for settling from suspension , prior to pipetting of the sample. The spatial distribution of particles may be vary between nannologist and can be influenced by the quantity of distilled water used to process the sample.
Clearly label the microscope slide.
Place a small piece of the sample which is a good representative of the sedimentary rock onto a glass slide. Add one or two drop of distilled water onto the sample.
Crush it on slide with a glass rod to make a thick suspension (clean the rod in diluted hydrochloric acid after each sample preparation).
Using a paint brush or toothpick, smear the suspension evenly and thinly on the surface of the slide (clean the brush in diluted hydrochloric acid after each sample preparation and use a new toothpick for each sample).
Dry the slide on a hot plate.
Affix the coverslip using an optical mounting medium (Norland Optical Adhesive 61).