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A Feature In
Meteorite Times Magazine |
Microscopic Photos of NWA 2371 H4
Even ordinary chondrites have surprises. NWA 2371 H4. One stone with a mass of 2950 gr. This meteorite has the most unusual fusion crust I have seen. I have polished a lot of slices of many types of meteorites and I always examine the polished portion of the crust. This one seems rather unique. It crystallized into beautiful patterns when it cooled. I have no idea if this was caused by the way it cooled or the chemical makeup of the interior material.
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NWA
2371 H4. 2950 gr. whole mass with cut and polished slice.
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This
micrograph is of the fusion crust. It was taken in incident
(reflected) cross polarized light at 1600X. Maybe the formation of
these crystals could provide some insight into the formation process
of similar structured crystals found interior to some other exotic
meteorites. For example we know it was completely melted and cooled
very rapidly. Crystal growth in meteorite structure is often
attributed to slow cooling!
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This
micrograph is of an unusual interior structure that resembles
a micro Pallasite. Taken at 1600X.
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