Petrology and chemistry of mesosiderites--I. Textures and composition of nickel-iron

Physics

Scientific paper

Rate now

  [ 0.00 ] – not rated yet Voters 0   Comments 0

Details

14

Scientific paper

Metal-silicate textures in ten mesosiderites indicate that metal structures formed in situ , after the presently observed physical relationships were established. The Widmanstätten structure is observed only occasionally in the mesosiderites. More often kamacite nuoleation appears to have been influenced by grain boundaries, resulting in irregular structures. Characteristic features of the metal are the invariably high Ni contents (>35 wt. %) of the centers of taenite masses and a general absence of plessite. These related features are most likely the result of Type II impingement during the later stages of kamacite growth. The bulk Ni contents of the metal of ten mesosiderites were determined by X-ray fluorescence and show a narrow range of 7.4-8.8 wt.%. Electron microprobe analyses reveal that taenite and kamacite masses in mesosiderites show distinct composition-dimension correlations related to cooling rate in the temperature range 500-350°C. Cooling rate determinations for 9 mesosiderites give the same result of 0.1° C /10 6 yr . Combined metal and silicate features are possibly consistent either with a thermal history involving continuous but markedly decelerated cooling, or with rapid initial cooling to low temperatures followed by reheating to 500°C with subsequent very slow cooling to at least 350°C. Mesosiderite cooling rates are the slowest yet determined for any meteorites. This fact is discussed with respect to its genetic implications. Udei Station, long considered to be a mesosiderite, possesses metal features which indicate a closer affinity to the octahedrites than to the mesosiderites. It has a metal bulk Ni content of 9.4 wt. % and a cooling rate of 6-10° C /10 6 yr (from 600-450°C). Its metal features, together with its silicate mineralogy, indicate it should be classified as an iron with silicate inclusions rather than as a mesosiderite.

No associations

LandOfFree

Say what you really think

Search LandOfFree.com for scientists and scientific papers. Rate them and share your experience with other people.

Rating

Petrology and chemistry of mesosiderites--I. Textures and composition of nickel-iron does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this scientific paper.

If you have personal experience with Petrology and chemistry of mesosiderites--I. Textures and composition of nickel-iron, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Petrology and chemistry of mesosiderites--I. Textures and composition of nickel-iron will most certainly appreciate the feedback.

Rate now

     

Profile ID: LFWR-SCP-O-1829589

  Search
All data on this website is collected from public sources. Our data reflects the most accurate information available at the time of publication.