The Vaguries of Pyroxene Nucleation and the Resulting Chondrule TexturesPyroxene is a major phase in chondrules, but often follows olivine in the crystallization sequence and depending on the melting temperature and time may not nucleate readily upon cooling. Dynamic crystallization experiments based on total or near total melting were used to study PO (porphyritic olivine) and PP (Porphyritic pyroxene) compositions as defined by. The experiments showed that pyroxene nucleated only at subliquidus temperatures in the PP melts and rarely in the PO melts. Porphyritic chondrules with phenocrysts of both olivine and pyroxene (POP chondrules) were not easily produced in the experiments. POP chondrules are common and it is important for deciphering their formation that we understand pyroxene nucleation properties of chondrule melts.
Document ID
20040059284
Acquisition Source
Johnson Space Center
Document Type
Conference Paper
Authors
Lofgren, G. E. (NASA Johnson Space Center Houston, TX, United States)
Le, L. (Lockheed Martin Corp. Houston, TX, United States)
Date Acquired
August 21, 2013
Publication Date
January 1, 2004
Publication Information
Publication: Lunar and Planetary Science XXXV: Chondrules: The Never-Ending Story