Impact Modification of Basalt, Gabbro, Serpentine – Effects on Spectral Properties

Powdered samples of Sheep Canyon basalt (Alpine, TX), Bushveldt gabbro, and serpentine (provenance unknown) were impacted at different speeds to explore spectral changes induced by the impact process. Understanding these changes enables identification and interpretation of remotely sampled rocky body surfaces. Post-impact materials were examined in the ultraviolet to visible (UV-Vis) to search for changes in spectral characteristics. Table 1 summarizes the samples and impact speeds examined.