Midinfrared (2.5-13.5 microns) reflectance spectra of powdered stony meteorites

Asteroid spectral measurements are presently approached via comparisons with reflectance spectra from 60 powdered meteorite samples representing 50 different meteorites. While the powdered meteorites have undergone alteration by exposure to water vapor and by hydrocarbon contamination characterized by absorption bands near 3.45 microns, they retain various other spectral features which render them useful for identification. While these features can be used independently to ascertain mineralogy and meteorite type, the use of the entire spectrum in a digital search library is preferred for successful identification.