WinRock

WinRock is a software solution built specifically to aid people in storing and classifying mineralogical data, convert it from one format to another and generate multiple types of plots.

The installation process does not last very long and does not pose any kind of issues, while the interface you come across can only be described as a menu bar, a few buttons and a pane in which to insert the data you want.

Well-organized and comprehensive Help contents are included and therefore, it becomes pretty obvious that both beginners and highly experienced people can easily find their way around it, without facing any kind of issues.

First and foremost, you should know that this utility comes packed with a spreadsheet, quite a useful feature that will enable you to input all the data that interests you in a very efficient manner.

It is possible to create a database from scratch, as well as import it from various file formats, such as FLX, ROK, CSV, TXT, DAT, XLS and XML. Moreover, it is possible to print and export all this information to the hard drive using multiple extensions, including FLX, ROK, HTML, PDF, XML, XLS, TXT and CSV.

This program enables you to use some incorporated modal classifications (e.g. QAP Plutonic, FAP Volcanic, Mafic, Sandstone etc.), while you can also add whole rock, multi element, XY, Ternary or Diamond headings, and insert symbols and colors.

You can take advantage of multiple types of diagrams, including igneous and sedimentary rock classification, petrology and geochemical ones (e.g. melilite – volcanic, general sandstone, Wackes, spider, harker, Jensen Cation, TAS plutonic), as well as calculate the standard CIPW norms for normal rocks.

Last but not least, you should know that a time scale is put at your disposal, and you can bring up age symbols, the period table, geology map symbols, a list of elements, rock colors, roundness and volume estimations in separate panes.

To sum up, WinRock is an efficient and well-rounded petrology and classification tool, which does not put a strain on the computer’s performance. It includes a pretty long list of options that will surely keep you busy for a while, the response time is good and the interface is suitable to all types of users.