Mineralogical and Elemental Composition of Carbonaceous Meteorite Allende by Micro-Raman Spectroscopy and SEM/EDS

Location

CSU Ballroom

Start Date

10-4-2018 10:00 AM

End Date

10-4-2018 11:30 AM

Student's Major

Physics and Astronomy

Student's College

Science, Engineering and Technology

Mentor's Name

Analía Dall'Asén

Mentor's Department

Physics and Astronomy

Mentor's College

Science, Engineering and Technology

Description

Meteorites provide precious clues about the formation of planets in the solar system. In particular, carbonaceous chondritic meteorites, considered the most primitive surviving materials from the early Solar System, can contribute to understand how planets formed from dust by studying their composition. These relics are mainly composed of chondrules (micro/millimeter-sized inclusions) surrounded by a matrix of microparticles. The mineralogical composition of the chondrules and surrounding matrix of this kind of meteorites can be characterized at the microscale using micro-Raman spectroscopy, while the topography and elemental composition of these relics can be studied at the micro/nanoscale using SEM/EDS (Scanning Electron Microscopy/Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy). Here we present a study of the mineralogical and elemental composition of the chondrules and surrounding matrix of carbonaceous chondritic meteorite Allende (observed falling in 1969 in Pueblito de Allende, Mexico) using the aforementioned techniques. We examine how these properties vary in different regions of the chondrules and matrix. Preliminary Raman spectroscopy results show graphite, pyroxene and olivine, both within and outside the chondrules. Well-defined chondrules, rims and matrix are observed from the SEM images. The results obtained with EDS show that iron is most abundant in the matrix, while the chondrule is enhanced in magnesium. Silicon, aluminum, sodium, calcium, oxygen and carbon are also found in both, chondrule and matrix. Iron and sulfur rims are observed around the chondrules. These findings can provide information about the conditions that those minerals were formed.

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Apr 10th, 10:00 AM Apr 10th, 11:30 AM

Mineralogical and Elemental Composition of Carbonaceous Meteorite Allende by Micro-Raman Spectroscopy and SEM/EDS

CSU Ballroom

Meteorites provide precious clues about the formation of planets in the solar system. In particular, carbonaceous chondritic meteorites, considered the most primitive surviving materials from the early Solar System, can contribute to understand how planets formed from dust by studying their composition. These relics are mainly composed of chondrules (micro/millimeter-sized inclusions) surrounded by a matrix of microparticles. The mineralogical composition of the chondrules and surrounding matrix of this kind of meteorites can be characterized at the microscale using micro-Raman spectroscopy, while the topography and elemental composition of these relics can be studied at the micro/nanoscale using SEM/EDS (Scanning Electron Microscopy/Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy). Here we present a study of the mineralogical and elemental composition of the chondrules and surrounding matrix of carbonaceous chondritic meteorite Allende (observed falling in 1969 in Pueblito de Allende, Mexico) using the aforementioned techniques. We examine how these properties vary in different regions of the chondrules and matrix. Preliminary Raman spectroscopy results show graphite, pyroxene and olivine, both within and outside the chondrules. Well-defined chondrules, rims and matrix are observed from the SEM images. The results obtained with EDS show that iron is most abundant in the matrix, while the chondrule is enhanced in magnesium. Silicon, aluminum, sodium, calcium, oxygen and carbon are also found in both, chondrule and matrix. Iron and sulfur rims are observed around the chondrules. These findings can provide information about the conditions that those minerals were formed.

Recommended Citation

Kayastha, Rohil. "Mineralogical and Elemental Composition of Carbonaceous Meteorite Allende by Micro-Raman Spectroscopy and SEM/EDS." Undergraduate Research Symposium, Mankato, MN, April 10, 2018.
https://cornerstone.lib.mnsu.edu/urs/2018/poster-session-A/40