Forensic 6

SOIL ( Petrography as applied to Crime Detection)

Petrography
It is branch of geology that deals with the systematic classification and identification of rocks,
rocks forming minerals and soils. Also includes study of dust, dirt, safe insulation, ceramics and
other such materials both natural and artificial.

Petroglyph
Rock carving and designing.

Soil as evidence in murder, homicide, rape, robbery. Kidnapping, hit and run accident has been
overlooked by most investigators, probably because it it such a common place substance and is
more less taken for granted. Very few persons have realized that the soil upon which they stand
may have a different composition from the soil a few yards away.

Soil
Mixture of minerals, organic matter, including gas, liquid and organisms that support plant life.
Soils means different things to different people. A farmer plants crops in it. An engineer builds
with it. A miner takes mineral from it. Criminalist regards soil as the top layer of the earth. It
may include any substance on the earth that may stick a person’s clothing or shoes.

Types of soil
1. Alluvial soil- formed from soil particles that were washed, blown, or moved by gravity to
the lowlands.
2. Colluvial soil- formed from decomposition of igneous, metamorphic and sedimentary
rocks, which are decomposed particles moved by gravity.
3. Sedentary soil- inactive and not migratory soil.

Kinds of soil
1. Igneous rock- produced by volcanic or intense heat.
2. Metamorphic rock- had undergone changed in structure, texture through pressure, heat
and chemical reaction. Like limestone into marble.
3. Sedimentary rock- known as sandstone. Rocks formed by sediments.

Collection and Submission of soil

1. Soil usually in form of mud and usually recovered from shoes, slippers, clothes, tires,
tools and furniture.
2. If found on the above, the soil should remain in place and whole should be submitted to
the laboratory.
3. Should be wrapped in a clean paper or filter paper and placed in a box.
4. Known soil samples should be taken at different places around the point or reference.
Constituents of soil
1. Primary minerals- includes undecomposed rock fragments ranging from stone down
through pebbles, sand and silt.

Important Minerals
A. Quartz- a form of silica. Crystalline mineral usually colorless and transparent.
B. Calcite or limestone- CaCO, white reacts with acid with evolution of carbon dioxide.
C. Felspar- silicate of aluminum or sodium, barium, calcium or potassium, their
composition gives rise to clay along with more or less soluble salts of the metals.
D. Dolomite- white mineral obtained from sedimentary rock. Similar to limestone.
E. Mica- a mineral that are crystalline in thin, flexible layers, resistant to heat.
F. Other primary minerals, like gypsum, talc, kaolinite, limonite and magnetite.

2. Clay minerals- a product of decomposition of primary minerals

3. Organic constituents- one of the most variable of all soil constituents and it is peculiar
importance in the identification of soil. Example: Agricultural land.

APPLICATION OF SOIL ANALYSIS TO SCIENTIFIC CRIME DETECTION

The value of soils as evidence depends wholly upon the fact that oils differ in various
characteristics over the surface of the earth. This difference makes it possible to establish the
identity where about of a person under investigation.

DUST AND DIRT

Dust and dirt has been described as “ matter in the wrong place”. The study of such piece of
evidence may often provide the investigator with clues as to the occupation of previous where
about of a person under investigation.

Dust- a matter which is dry and in finely divided form.

Mud- dust mixed with water.
Grime- or known as heavy dirt. When dust is mixed with sweat and grease of the human body
this formed.

CLASSIFICATION OF DUST
For purposes of criminal investigation dust may be classified from their source:
1. Dust deposited from the air- extremely fine dust particles present in the air.
2. Road and footpath dust- produced by the wear and tear of the road surface by vehicular
and pedestrian traffic together with particles soil carried by the wind or rain from
adjoining regions.
3. Industrial dust- produce by industries like cement, button, powdered gypsum and
plaster of paris factories, flour milling, paint pigments, involved industrial processes.
4. Occupational dust- some of the finely powdered material may be found on the clothing
and footwear of employees engaged in such industries.