Low-temperature formation of magnetic iron oxides

Elemental analysis and magnetic measurements of the surface of Mars have indicated the presence of an iron oxide with a considerable magnetic moment. Identification of the oxide phase(s) is an important subject as this may be used to identify the process of weathering on the martian surface as well as the composition of the Mars regolith itself. Consequently, interest was in evidence of new formation of strongly magnetic phases (e.g., magnetite, maghemite, feroxyhyte) in terrestrially derived Mars sample analogs. Within the group of Mars sample analogs derived from low-temperature weathering of basalts in Arctic regions, evidence of magnetic oxides formed at the outermost weathering rind was never observed. However, in one instance where the weathering products accumulating in a crack of a basaltic stone were investigated, evidence of magnetite was found. The experimental details are presented.