Suizhou Meteorite: Mineralogy and Shock Metamorphism

This book introduces the unusual shock-related mineralogical features of the shocked Suizhou L6 (S5) meteorite.

The olivine and pyroxene in Suizhou display a mosaic shock feature, while most of plagioclase grains have transformed to glassy maskelynite.

A few of the shock-induced melt veins in the meteorite are the simplest, straightest and thinnest ones among all shock-vein-bearing meteorites, and contain the most abundant high-pressure mineral species.

Among the 11 identified species, tuite, xieite, and the post-spinel CF-phase of chromite are new minerals.

The meteorite experienced a peak shock pressure up to 24 GPa and temperatures of up to 1000° C.

Locally developed shock veins were formed at the same pressure, but at an elevated temperature of about 2000° C that was produced by localized shear-friction stress.

The rapid cooling of the extremely thin shock veins is the main reason why 11 shock-induced high-pressure mineral phases could be preserved in them so well.

This book offersa helpful guide for meteoritics researchers and mineralogists and invaluable resource for specialists working in high-pressure and high-temperature mineralophysics.