A system and method automatically orient geological core samples. The system comprises a camera, a core analyzer module, and a core sample rotation apparatus. The camera is configured to capture a reference image of a cross-section of a reference core sample from a well and to capture a sample image of a cross-section of the to-be-oriented core sample from the well. The core analyzer module comprises code executable in a hardware processor to process the sample image to substantially match the reference image, and to determine an orientation angle of the match. The core sample rotation apparatus is configured to orient the to-be-oriented core sample by the orientation angle. A method comprises steps performed during operation of the system.