Natural bridgmanite-periclase aggregates in Martian meteorites

We use a combination of in-house- and synchrotron-based micro-mapping techniques to identify and characterize natural parageneseis of bridgmanite (MgSiO3 in the perovskite structure, IMA 2014-017) and periclase in shocked meteorites. The goal is to evaluate if shock-generated bridgmanite-melt, bridgmanite-periclase intergrowths provide information on element partitioning and rock-deformation that complement experimental studies. As in case of any natural rock recovered from high P-T conditions, chemical and physical changes during release require careful assessment. Major- and minor element concentrations are measured quantitatively with EPMA. Phase identification,-distribution, as well as internal structural parameters are evaluated based on micro-diffraction mappings. Laue diffraction peak profile analysis permits examination of dislocations active during deformation of bridgmanite-periclase aggregates.