Mössbauer spectra of equilibrated ordinary chondrites consist of two sextets due to magnetically ordered iron present in metallic phases and troilite and two doublets due to paramagnetic iron present in olivines and pyroxenes. The Mössbauer spectral areas of the different mineralogical phases in meteorites are proportional to the number of iron ions present in olivines, pyroxenes, metallic phase and troilite. This property of Mössbauer spectra was the basis for constructing various methods for the classification of ordinary chondrites. Review of these methods will be presented.
Neutron activation analysis (NAA) is an analytical method based on the measurement of characteristic radiation from radionuclides formed by neutron irradiation of the material of interest. The most suitable source of neutrons for NAA is a research reactor. The neutron activation analysis has been found to be extremely useful in the determination of trace and minor elements in geological and extraordinary samples. The method is non-destructive, giving many advantages, which are described. Measured abundances of the elements in meteorites, from major constituents down to those appearing only in trace amounts, provide information important for the theories of the origin and history of the Solar System.
JavaScript is turned off in your web browser. Turn it on to take full advantage of this site, then refresh the page.