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1.1 This practice covers laboratory procedures for preparing an etched, polished surface of granular and block samples of coal for examination with a microscope using reflected light illumination.

1.2 Units—The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. The values given in parentheses after SI units are provided for information only and are not considered standard.

1.3 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.

1.4 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.

5.1 Components observable in surfaces of coal samples prepared in accordance with the laboratory procedures of this practice will have differential relief that will aid in their maceral identification by visual classification and enables identification of plant parts or tissues that formed the coal.

5.2 Samples prepared by this practice can be used for microscopical determination of the volume percent of physical components of coal in accordance with Test Method D2799.

5.3 Samples prepared by this practice can be used for the microscopical identification of botanical components by taphonomic rank. Samples for this purpose should be limited to telovitrinite and semifusinite rich coals of bright lithotype to maximize feedback from etching.