Characterization of Northwest Africa 6286 and 7857 ordinary chondrites using X-ray diffraction, magnetization measurements and Mössbauer spectroscopy

Abstract

Northwest Africa (NWA) 6286 and 7857 meteorites were studied in detail by using optical microscopy, scanning electron microscopy with energy dispersion spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, magnetization measurements and 57Fe Mössbauer spectroscopy with a high velocity resolution. The main and the minor iron-bearing phases were identified in both meteorites. The unit cell parameters as well as Fe2+ and Mg2+ cation distribution were determined for the M1 and M2 sites in silicate microcrystals. Saturation magnetic moments were obtained for both meteorites. Mössbauer parameters for the main and the minor iron-bearing microcrystals were estimated and compared for NWA 6286 and NWA 7857 LL6 ordinary chondrites. The Fe2+ and Mg2+ cation partitioning, distribution coefficient and temperature of cation equilibrium distribution were estimated for silicate microcrystals using X-ray diffraction and Mössbauer spectroscopy.