Metamorphism in mesosideritesPrevious studies of mesosiderites have identified a metamorphic overprint in these meteorites. However, the effects and implications of this overprint have not yet been explored in detail. The present study documents several important textural and chemical features of the mesosiderites. The components of mesosiderites are examined, taking into account orthopyroxenites, olivine in clasts, mesosiderite mafic clasts, and metal. The characteristics of the silicate matrix of the mesosiderites is explored, and textural and chemical evidence of metamorphism is discussed, giving attention to coronas on olivine clasts, overgrowths on Mg-pyroxene clasts, rims on iron rich pyroxene grains, poikiloblasts of plagioclase, and resorption of clasts. Aspects of redox formation of merrillite are considered along with the causes and the implications of metamorphism. It is found that metamorphism has radically changed the texture of the silicate fraction of the mesosiderites.
Document ID
19820048230
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Conference Proceedings
Authors
Delaney, J. S. (American Museum of Natural History New York, NY, United States)
Prinz, M. (American Museum of Natural History New York, NY, United States)
Harlow, G. E. (American Museum of Natural History New York, NY, United States)
Nehru, C. E. (American Museum of Natural History, New York; Brooklyn College, Brooklyn NY, United States)