High Resolution X-Ray CT Images of Chondrites and Chondrules, and Their Three-Dimensional Structures
Abstract
Images of Moorabie (L3), Allende (CV3), and chondrules removed from Allende were obtained by high-resolution X-ray computer tomography (CT) with a spatial resolution of a few mm. Fe-Ni alloy, troilite, and silicates can be distinguished, and chondrules, CAI's, and matrix can be recognized. Many euhedral crystals, probably olivine, were identified in a chondrule, suggesting that the chondrule has a porphyritic texture. In addition to minerals or their assemblages, holes can be also identified, and this shows potential for analyzing primordial solar nebula gas trapped in chondrules. Three-dimensional structures were reconstructed from successive images. In the porphyritic chondrule, the shapes of the holes are irregular three-dimensionally and similar to those formed by viscoelastic fingering. This may suggest that the holes were formed by shrinkage of the melt by solidification.
- Publication:
-
Lunar and Planetary Science Conference
- Pub Date:
- March 1997
- Bibcode:
- 1997LPI....28.1453T
- Keywords:
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- Chondrule;
- Chondrites;
- X Ray Imagery;
- Allende Meteorite;
- Computer Aided Tomography;
- Troilite;
- High Resolution;
- Silicates;
- Meteoritic Composition;
- Lunar and Planetary Exploration;
- HOLES;
- STRUCTURES: THREE-DIMENSIONAL;
- X-RAY CT METHOD