Natural bridgmanite-periclase aggregates in Martian meteorites

Oliver D Tschauner, Univ Nevada, Las Vegas, United States, Chi Ma, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA, United States, Clemens Prescher, University of Freiburg, Center for Advanced Radiation Sources, Freiberg, Germany and Vitali B Prakapenka, The University of Chicago, Center for Advanced Radiation Sources, Chicago, United States
Abstract:
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.
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