03/21/2026
High Mesa Petrographics — Our Story, Our Craft, Our Standard
For more than 14 years, I had the privilege of working directly with David A. Mann, one of the most respected and skilled craftsmen in the thin‑section industry. David taught me everything I know about the art, science, and discipline of thin‑section preparation. Although he is now semi‑retired, we still work together, and his influence continues to guide the standards we uphold every day.
In 2020, David sold me the business so I could carry on his legacy — and build one of my own. Together, we bring over 50 years of combined experience producing some of the finest thin sections available anywhere.
Over the decades, we have worked with:
• Major corporations
• Universities, colleges, and research institutions
• Private meteorite collectors
• Government and space‑science programs
Our experience includes preparing Apollo mission material and OSIRIS‑REx mission samples, a testament to the precision, trust, and reliability our clients expect from us.
What We Specialize In
We are known for producing thin sections that meet the highest scientific and optical standards, including:
• Fluid‑inclusion–grade (FI‑grade) thin sections
• Ultra‑thin, pit‑free, scratch‑free sections
• Meteorite and planetary materials
• Hard‑to‑polish, delicate, or unusual specimens
• Custom mounts and specialty slide formats
These are not mass‑produced slides — each one is crafted with intention, precision, and decades of hands‑on expertise.
Our Quality Standards
Every sample that enters our shop is handled with the same level of care and discipline:
• Strict thickness and optical‑flatness tolerances
• Multi‑stage grinding and polishing workflow
• Zero‑pit, zero‑scratch expectations
• Final inspection under transmitted and reflected light
• Senior‑level handling from start to finish
If a slide doesn’t meet our standards, it simply doesn’t leave the shop.
Why Clients Trust Us
Researchers, collectors, and institutions trust High Mesa Petrographics because we combine:
• Deep experience
• Traditional craftsmanship
• Modern precision
• Transparent communication
• Respect for every sample, no matter its origin or value
Whether your specimen is a rare meteorite, a research core, or a personal collection piece, it receives the same meticulous attention.
Our Mission
Our mission is to preserve the craftsmanship of traditional thin‑section making while continually improving the precision, consistency, and reliability that modern research demands. We honor the legacy of those who taught us while pushing the craft forward for the next generation.
Our Promise
We stand behind every slide we produce. Your material is handled with care, respect, and the highest level of professional craftsmanship. When you choose High Mesa Petrographics, you are choosing decades of experience, proven reliability, and a commitment to excellence.
Thank you for trusting High Mesa Petrographics with your thin‑section needs.
