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Automated SEM Modal Analysis Applied to the DiogenitesAnalysis of volume proportions of minerals, or modal analysis, is routinely accomplished by point counting on an optical microscope, but the process, particularly on brecciated samples such as the diogenite meteorites, is tedious and prone to error by misidentification of very small fragments, which may make up a significant volume of the sample. Precise volume percentage data can be gathered on a scanning electron microscope (SEM) utilizing digital imaging and an energy dispersive spectrometer (EDS). This form of automated phase analysis reduces error, and at the same time provides more information than could be gathered using simple point counting alone, such as particle morphology statistics and chemical analyses. We have previously studied major, minor, and trace-element chemistry of orthopyroxene from a suite of diogenites. This abstract describes the method applied to determine the modes on this same suite of meteorites and the results of that research. The modal abundances thus determined add additional information on the petrogenesis of the diogenites. In addition, low-abundance phases such as spinels were located for further analysis by this method.
Document ID
19990025060
Acquisition Source
Headquarters
Document Type
Conference Paper
Authors
Bowman, L. E.
(New Mexico Univ. Albuquerque, NM United States)
Spilde, M. N.
(New Mexico Univ. Albuquerque, NM United States)
Papike, James J.
(New Mexico Univ. Albuquerque, NM United States)
Date Acquired
August 19, 2013
Publication Date
January 1, 1996
Publication Information
Publication: Workshop on Evolution of Igneous Asteroids: Focus on Vesta and the HED Meterorites
Issue: Pt. 1
Subject Category
Astrophysics
Funding Number(s)
CONTRACT_GRANT: NAGw-3347
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Work of the US Gov. Public Use Permitted.

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