Calorimetric thermometry of meteoritic troilite: Preliminary thermometer relationships

Thermodynamic properties of the alpha/beta phase transformation in terrestrial troilite (FeS), as measured by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), vary systematically with prior thermal history of the troilite, as imposed under laboratory conditions. Both the transition temperature and enthalpy change for the alpha/beta transformation decrease with increasing maximum temperature of prior heat treatment. DSC measurements on troilite from various meteorites indicate clear differences in the alpha/beta thermodynamic properties that are consistent with differences in the natural thermal histories of the meteorites.