[meteorite-list] searching for the correct terminology

From: bernd.pauli at paulinet.de <bernd.pauli_at_meteoritecentral.com>
Date: 11 Sep 2009 17:22:07 UT
Message-ID: <DIIE.000000AA00004011_at_paulinet.de>

Mike in CO writes:

"You will probably think I am a bit off the latch with this question
but here goes anyway... In the world of meteorite terminology, is
there a term or word which describes the loss of fusion crust (by
forces of nature) from stony meteorites. 'Spalling' possibly? The
loss of crust, part or all, seems to be a rather common occurrence
especially for some of the more friable stonys. With the crust gone,
the stone is 'denuded'?"

Hi Mike and List, here are some examples:

ALHA77294 (H5):

Polygonally fractured, dull, brownish black fusion crust, approximately 1 mm thick,
covers all surfaces of this meteorite (~13.5 x 9.0 x 6.0 cm), with the exception of the
edges, which appear to have been s p a l l e d.

ALHA78040 (AEUC):

The crust has been removed from the edges by s p a l l a t i o n and has
been preferentially weathered away on the surfaces in small circular areas.

ALHA78132 (AEUC):

The crust has been s p a l l e d or chipped in some areas ...

ALHA79022 (L3.7-4):

The areas devoid of fusion crust appear to have been s p a l l e d
off or preferentially plucked off because they occur along ridges.

Bagdad (IIIAB):

Most of the fusion crust has s p a l l e d off due to terrestrial corrosion (Buchwald)...


Best wishes,

Bernd
Received on Fri 11 Sep 2009 01:22:07 PM PDT