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Proposed structures for poorly characterized phases in C2M carbonaceous chondrite meteorites

Nature volume 309, pages 240–242 (1984)Cite this article

Abstract

Recent investigations of meteorite matrices using analytical electron microscopy and high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM) have provided data on the structure and chemistry of poorly characterized phases (PCP)1. We suggest here that ∼10 Å PCP, a dominant matrix variety, has a structure equivalent to iron-rich tochilinite [6Fe0.9S 5(Fe, Mg) (OH)2] which consists of coherently interstratified mackinawite and brucite sheets2. In addition, we propose that ∼17 Å PCP, previously described as an SBB-type mixed-layer structure3, is a commensurate intergrowth of serpentine and tochilinite layers. A wide range of cation substitutions is possible within both tochilinite and serpentine–tochilinite structural types. We suggest that various forms of PCP observed in carbonaceous chondrites4,5are intergrowths of tochilinite, serpentine, serpentine–tochilinite and/or valleriite-type minerals6.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Microbeam Inc., Mail Code SN4, NASA Johnson Space Center, Houston, Texas, 77058, USA

    Ian D. R. Mackinnon & Michael E. Zolensky

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  1. Ian D. R. Mackinnon
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  2. Michael E. Zolensky
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Mackinnon, I., Zolensky, M. Proposed structures for poorly characterized phases in C2M carbonaceous chondrite meteorites. Nature 309, 240–242 (1984). https://doi.org/10.1038/309240a0

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