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NASA NTRS1977

Experimental study of pyroxene-liquid interaction in quartz-normative basalt 15597

Equilibrium and controlled cooling rate experiments on a synthetic analog of Apollo 15 quartz normative basalt 15597 are reported. While the partitioning of the major elements Ca, Mg, and Fe between pyroxene and liquid is rate independent, the K sub D parameter for Fe/Mg, which is calculated for low-Ca pyroxene, is temperature dependent. It is suggested that chemical trends observed in lunar pyroxenes are a consequence of three rate processes. The processes are (1) rate-dependent suppression of crystallization of other phases until lower temperature alters liquid composition and, therefore, the composition of the pyroxene that crystallizes; (2) the efficiency of fractional crystallization and the extent of crystal zoning are rate dependent; and (3) the partitioning of Al2O3, TiO2, and Cr2O3 between pyroxene and liquid depends on cooling rate.

Grove, T. L.↗

NASA NTRS1978

Crystallization of pyroxenes in lunar KREEP basalt 15386 and meteoritic basalts

Single crystal X-ray diffraction studies and electron microprobe analyses of pyroxenes from the meteorites Pasamonte, Yamato 74450 and Yamato 74159 and in lunar KREEP basalt 15386 show similarities of pyroxene crystallization history. They each began crystallization with magnesian pyroxene (pigeonite in the meteorites, orthopyroxene in 15386) followed by strong zonation toward iron-rich and calcium-rich compositions. These data appear to be understandable in terms of dynamic crystallization experiments on liquids of similar composition to the meteorites. In contrast, pyroxene compositions in the meteorites Juvinas, Sioux County and Nuevo Laredo lie along an apparent tie line between calcium-poor and calcium-rich end members with no iron-enrichment trend. In Sioux County and Juvinas, the primary pyroxene is calcium-poor, with exsolved augite. In Nuevo Laredo, pigeonite and augite occur as separate grains with exsolution of augite in the pigeonite. The development of prominent exsolution lamellae is consistent with a long thermal annealing after the primary crystallization event, which may also explain the absence of iron/magnesium zonation in the pigeonites.

Takeda, H.↗

NASA NTRS1989

An ion microprobe study of the intra-crystalline behavior of REE and selected trace elements in pyroxene from mare basalts with different cooling and crystallization histories

The effects of crystallization interaction on the trace element zoning characteristics of pyroxenes are analyzed using electron and ion microprobe techniques. Four pigeonite basalts with similar isochemical composition, but different cooling rates and crystallization histories are studied. Pyroxene quadrilaterals displaying crystallization trends are presented. The crystal chemical rationalization of REE zoning, pattern shapes, and abundances are examined. The data reveal that the trace element zoning characteristics in pyroxene and the partitioning of trace elements between pyroxene and the melt are related to the interaction between the efficiency of the crystallization process, the kinetics at the crystal-melt interface, the kinetics of plagioclase nucleation and the characteristics of the crystal chemical substitutions in the pyroxene and the associated crystallizing phase.

Shearer, C. K.↗

NASA NTRS1991

Reflectance spectra of Fe(2+)-Mg(2+) disordered pyroxenes: Implications to remote-sensed spectra of planetary surfaces

The reflectance spectra of Fe(2+)-Mg(2+) disordered orthopyroxenes are relevant to surfaces of terrestrial planets onto which basaltic magma has been extruded. If cooling rates of basalt lava flows were fast, equilibrium iron intersite partitioning may not have been achieved so that abnormal enrichments of Fe(2+) ions in M1 sites would occur. The two intense pyroxene Fe(2+) site CF bands in the 1 micron and 2 micron regions would continue to dominate the the reflectance spectra so that the pyroxene composition and structure type would be readily identified in telescopic spectral profiles. However, abnormal intensification of the Fe(2+)/M1 site CF band at 1.20 microns could lead to the false identification of olivine in remote sensed spectra because in pyroxene-olivine mixtures the inflection around 1.20 microns is the only spectral feature for detecting the presence of olivine. The identification of iron-bearing plagioclase feldspars, too, would be obscured by the pyroxene Fe(2+)/M1 site CF band at 1.20 microns. Such interference would be a major problem if in situ reflectance spectra could be measured on the surface of Venus where ambient temperatures are as high as 475 C. Disordering of Fe(2+) and Mg(2+) ions comparable to that in the orthopyroxenes used in this spectral chemical study might be expected in low Ca pyroxenes occurring on the Venusian surface. Researchers conclude that Fe(2+)/M1 site spectral features need to be carefully assessed in remote-sensed spectra before deductions are made about the presence of olivine on planetary surfaces.

Burns, Roger G.↗

NASA NTRS1991

Pyroxene spectroscopy revisited - Spectral-compositional correlations and relationship to geothermometry

Pyroxene reflectance and transmittance spectra have been examined in a search for systematic relationships between spectral features and compositional variations and to assess the applicability of reflectance spectroscopy to pyroxene geothermometry. Orthopyroxenes containing up to about 11 percent Wollastonite show a positive correlation between Fe(2+) content and wavelength positions of the major absorption bands. Aluminum-rich orthopyroxenes display absorption bands at lower than expected wavelengths. Spectral-compositional relationships are more complex for clinopyroxenes, showing both positive and negative correlations between band positions and major cation abundances. These relationships are further complicated by the presence of significant amounts of other transition series elements such as Ti and Cr and by the presence of exsolved phases and compositional zonations. Contours of the wavelength positions of band minima projected onto the pyroxene tetralateral generally exhibit concave downward shapes. The orientations of the contours relative to pyroxene geotherms are such as to effectively preclude the use of spectroscopy to significantly constrain the temperatures of formation of pyroxenes.

Cloutis, Edward A.↗

NASA NTRS2004

The Vaguries of Pyroxene Nucleation and the Resulting Chondrule Textures

Pyroxene is a major phase in chondrules, but often follows olivine in the crystallization sequence and depending on the melting temperature and time may not nucleate readily upon cooling. Dynamic crystallization experiments based on total or near total melting were used to study PO (porphyritic olivine) and PP (Porphyritic pyroxene) compositions as defined by. The experiments showed that pyroxene nucleated only at subliquidus temperatures in the PP melts and rarely in the PO melts. Porphyritic chondrules with phenocrysts of both olivine and pyroxene (POP chondrules) were not easily produced in the experiments. POP chondrules are common and it is important for deciphering their formation that we understand pyroxene nucleation properties of chondrule melts.

Lofgren, G. E.↗

NASA NTRS2005

Pyroxene Spectroscopy: Effects of Major Element Composition on Near, Mid and Far-Infrared Spectra

Pyroxene is one of the most common minerals in both evolved and undifferentiated solid bodies of the solar system. Various compositions of pyroxene have been directly studied in meteorites and lunar samples and remotely observed by telescopic and orbital measurements of the moon, Mars, Mercury, and several classes of asteroids. Laboratory studies of pyroxene spectra have shown that absorption features diagnostic of pyroxene in both the near and mid infrared are composition dependent. The challenge for remote analyses has been to reduce the level of ambiguity to allow a quantitative assessment of mineral chemistry. This study focuses on the analysis of a comprehensive set of synthetic Ca-Fe-Mg pyroxenes from the visible through far-IR (0.3-50 m) to address the fundamental constraints of crystal structure on absorption.

Klima, R. L.↗

NASA NTRS2006

Additional Complexities in Nakhlite Pyroxenes: A Progress (?) Report

Nakhlites are olivine-bearing clinopyroxene cumulates [e.g., 1]. Based on petrographic characteristics, they may be divided into groups that cooled at different rates and may have been formed at different depths in a single flow [e.g., 2, 3]. The order of cooling rate is Lafayette < Governador Valadares ~ Nakhla < Yamato000593 < NWA817 ~ MIL03346. Nakhlite cumulus pyroxene grains consist of large cores that are nearly homogeneous in major element composition surrounded by thin rims that are zoned to Fe-rich compositions. Detailed study of these pyroxenes is important because they retain a record of the crystallization history of the nakhlite magma. Moreover, because the composition of the nakhlite parent melt cannot be directly determined, inversion of the major and minor element composition of the cumulate pyroxene cores can be used to estimate the composition of that melt. Thus it is important to understand the major and minor element zoning in the cumulus pyroxenes. We recently reported complications in the minor element zoning of nakhlite pyroxenes, especially for Al and Cr [4]. This abstract reports additional complications noted since that report.

McKay, G.↗

NASA NTRS1972

Crystal field spectra of lunar pyroxenes.

Absorption spectra in the visible and near infrared regions have been obtained for pyroxene single crystals in rocks from the Apollo 11, 12, 14, and 15 missions. The polarized spectra are compared with those obtained from terrestrial calcic clinopyroxenes, subcalcic augites, pigeonites, and orthopyroxenes. The lunar pyroxenes contain several broad, intense absorption bands in the near infrared, the positions of which are related to bulk composition, Fe(2+) site occupancy and structure type of the pyroxene. The visible spectra contain several sharp, weak peaks mainly due to spin-forbidden transitions in Fe(2+). Additional weak bands in this region in Apollo 11 pyroxenes are attributed to Ti(3+) ions. Spectral features from Fe(3+), Mn(2+), Cr(3+), and Cr(2+) were not observed.

Burns, R. G.↗

NASA NTRS1975

Pyroxenes and olivines: Structural implications of shock-wave data for high pressure phases

The nature of the shock-induced, high-pressure phases of olivine and pyroxene rocks is examined in the light of data for the densities of a new class of perovskite-related silicate structures. Also examined are some new Hugoniot and release adiabat data for bronzite. Reexamining available shock data for magnesian pyroxenes and olivines leads to the conclusion that they define a mixed phase (or disequilibrium) region to about the 100 GPa range, related to the kinetics of phase transformation in these silicates. By recognizing this point, certain discrepancies in previous interpretations of shock data can be explained. A set of theoretical Hugonoits for pyroxene and olivine stoichiometry, perovskite-bearing assemblages was constructed based on their properties deduced from high-pressure work, showing that the shock data is compatible with transformations to perovskites in the 45-7GPa region. Finally, the shock data indicate very similar properties for olivine and pyroxene at high pressures making them both equally likely candidates for the lower mantle.

Jeanloz, R.↗

NASA NTRS1977

Vesta - The first pyroxene band from new spectroscopic measurements

Spectral reflectance measurements of asteroid 4 Vesta were obtained using a silicon vidicon spectrometer with a resolution of 2 to 4 thousandths of a micron. A flow chart illustrating the data reduction procedure is given, and the location, absorptivity, and bandwidth of an absorption band detected in the near infrared region are described. The absorption band has been interpreted as due to electronic absorptions in ferrous iron in sixfold coordination in the pyroxene, pigeonite. The heightened spectral resolution obtained from the silicon vidicon imaging system permits determination of the relative calcium content of the pyroxene (10 to 12%). Furthermore, the symmetry of the absorption band implies an absence of olivine, which is commonly associated with pyroxene in terrestrial and meteoritic mineral samples. Support for these conclusions is found in spectral analyses of pyroxene, as well as in spectral reflectance measurements of 4 Vesta obtained by other observers.

Mcfadden, L. A.↗

NASA NTRS1979

Pyroxenes from planetary basalts - Characterization of 'other' than quadrilateral components

The paper reports on a synthesis of the silicate mineralogy of a planetary basalt suite, which concerns itself only with specific aspects of pyroxene cation substitutional couples. Consideration is given to the mineral chemistry and the basalt suites in an overview fashion. Attention is given to those characteristics of pyroxene chemistry that reflect planetary constraints on the host basalts from which the pyroxenes crystallized. It is concluded that the inspection of a large number of high quality silicate analyses of pyroxenes demonstrates conclusively that these phases carry a signature of the planetary body in which they evolved. In addition, it is noted that there are planetary probes capable of constraining thermodynamic parameters that were obtained during the petrogenesis of their host basaltic liquids

Papike, J. J.↗

NASA NTRS1993

Estimating modal abundances from the spectra of natural and laboratory pyroxene mixtures using the modified Gaussian model

The modified Gaussian model (MGM) is used to explore spectra of samples containing multiple pyroxene components as a function of modal abundance. The MGM allows spectra to be analyzed directly, without the use of actual or assumed end-member spectra and therefore holds great promise for remote applications. A series of mass fraction mixtures created from several different particle size fractions are analyzed with the MGM to quantify the properties of pyroxene mixtures as a function of both modal abundance and grain size. Band centers, band widths, and relative band strengths of absorptions from individual pyroxenes in mixture spectra are found to be largely independent of particle size. Spectral properties of both zoned and exsolved pyroxene components are resolved in exsolved samples using the MGM, and modal abundances are accurately estimated to within 5-10 percent without predetermined knowledge of the end-member spectra.

Sunshine, Jessica M.↗

NASA NTRS1993

Analysis of pyroxene absorptions observed in Martian dark regions

We have investigated the mineralogy of the Martian dark regions by analysis of the pyroxene Fe(2+) absorption band near 1.0 micron in a set of VIS/NIR reflectance spectral images. The data used for these analyses were selected from a larger set, extending from 0.44 to 1.02 microns, obtained during the close 1988 opposition and covering substantially all of Mars south of 40 degrees N. This data set is being used in regional mapping of spectral parameters related to surface mineralogy. Martian dark regions are of interest in reconstructing the geologic history because they contain exposures of unaltered or little-altered basaltic crustal material; mapping differences in composition among dark regions could reveal regional or temporal variation in magmatic activity or mantle source composition. Two types of dark regions are seen, with the pyroxene band present and absent; where present, the inferred composition is in the range pigeonite-augite to very high-Fe, low-Ca pyroxene, with a two-pyroxene mixture possible.

Miller, J. S.↗

NASA NTRS1994

Hematite formed from pyroxene on Mars by meteoritic impact

In earlier work, we showed using Mossbauer data that the mineralogy of iron-bearing phases in impact melt rocks from Manicouagan Crater (Quebec, Canada) is to a first approximation hematite and pyroxene. The visible and near-IR reflectivity data for these impact melt rocks show a continuous trend in band position from approximately 850 to approximately 1000 nm, which corresponds to the positions for the hematite and pyroxene endmembers, respectively. The oxidation is thought to occur shortly after the impact when oxidizing vapors and/or solutions reacted with the impact melt which was below its solidus temperature but still relatively hot. The reflectance data have important implications for Mars because band positions which occur between approximately 850 and 1000 nm bands observed for Mars can be attributed to hematite-pyroxene assemblages and not necessarily to different ferric mineralogy. Because oxidation of impact melt rocks at Manicouagan is thought to occur subsolidus, precursors for the hematite include oxides such as magnetite and ilmenite and silicates such as pyroxene and olivine. To determine if the Manicouagan impact-melt rocks are related to each other by simple thermal subsolidus oxidation, we calcined in air a relatively unoxidized Manicouagan impact-melt rock (MAN-74-608A). Previous work has shown that np-Hm (nanophase hematite) particles can be derived by calcination of iron-bearing silicates.

Morris, Richard V.↗

NASA NTRS1996

Pyroxene Homogenization and the Isotopic Systematics of Eucrites

The original Mg-Fe zoning of eucritic pyroxenes has in nearly all cases been partly homogenized, an observation that has been combined with other petrographic and compositional criteria to establish a scale of thermal "metamorphism" for eucrites. To evaluate hypotheses explaining development of conditions on the HED parent body (Vesta?) leading to pyroxene homogenization against their chronological implications, it is necessary to know whether pyroxene metamorphism was recorded in the isotopic systems. However, identifying the effects of the thermal metamorphism with specific effects in the isotopic systems has been difficult, due in part to a lack of correlated isotopic and mineralogical studies of the same eucrites. Furthermore, isotopic studies often place high demands on analytical capabilities, resulting in slow growth of the isotopic database. Additionally, some isotopic systems would not respond in a direct and sensitive way to pyroxene homogenization. Nevertheless, sufficient data exist to generalize some observations, and to identify directions of potentially fruitful investigations.

Nyquist, L. E.↗

NASA NTRS2003

Laboratory Simulation of Space Weathering: ESR Measurements of Nanophase Metallic Iron in Laser-irradiated Olivine and Pyroxene Samples

S-type asteroids are believed to be parent bodies of ordinary chondrites. Although both S-type asteroids and ordinary chondrites contain the same mineral assemblage, mainly olivine and pyroxene, the reflectance spectra of the asteroids exhibit more overall depletion (darkening) and reddening, and more weakening of absorption bands relative to the meteorites. This spectral mismatch is explained by space weathering process, where high-velocity dust particle impacts should change the optical properties of the uppermost regolith surface of asteroids. In order to simulate the space weathering, we irradiated nanosecond pulse laser beam onto pellet samples of olivine (8.97wt% FeO) and pyroxene (enstatite: 9.88wt% FeO, hypersthene: 16.70wt%). We got spectral changes in our samples similar to that by space weathering on asteroids and confirmed nanophase alpha-metallic iron particles, which were theoretically predicted, not only on olivine but also on pyroxene samples by Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM). Nanophase metallic iron particles were widely scattered throughout the amorphous rims developed along the olivine grains, whereas they were embedded in aggregates of amorphous in enstatite samples. Recently, we also measured laser-irradiated samples by ESR (Electron Spin Resonance). Strong ESR signals, characteristic to nanophase iron particles, are observed on irradiated olivine samples. In this paper, we report the quantities of nanophase metallic iron particles in pyroxene samples by ESR observations in addition to olivine samples.

Kurahashi, E.↗

NASA NTRS2006

Aluminian Low-Ca Pyroxene in a Ca-Al-rich Chondrule from the Semarkona Meteorite

A Ca-AI-rich chondrule (labeled G7) from the Semarkona LL3.0 ordinary chondrite (OC) consists of 73 vol% glassy mesostasis, 22 vol% skeletal forsterite. 3 vol% fassaite (i.e., Al-Ti diopside), and 2 vol% Al-rich, low-Ca pyroxene. The latter phase, which contains up to 16.3 wt% A1203, is among the most AI-rich, low-Ca pyroxene grains ever reported. It is inferred that 20% of the tetrahedral sites and 13% of the octahedral sites in this grain are occupied by Al. Approximately parallel optical extinction implies that the Al-rich, low-Ca pyroxene grains are probably orthorhombic, consistent with literature data that show that A1203 stabilizes the orthoenstatite structure relative to protoenstatite at low pressure. The order of crystallization in the chondrule was forsterite, AI-rich low-Ca pyroxene, and fassaite; the residual liquid vitrified during chondrule quenching. Phase relationships indicate that, for a G7-composition liquid at equilibrium, spinel and anorthite should crystallize early and orthopyroxene should not crystallize at all. The presence of AI-rich orthopyroxene in G7 is due mainly to the kinetic failure of anorthite to crystallize; this failure was caused by quenching of the G7 precursor droplet. Aluminum preferentially enters the relatively large B tetrahedra of orthopyroxene; because only one tetrahedral size occurs in fassaite, this phase contains higher mean concentrations of Al2O3 than the Al-rich orthopyroxene (17.8 and 14.7 wt%, respectively). Chondrule G7 may have formed by remelting an amoeboid olivine inclusion that entered the OC region of the solar nebula during an episode of chondrule formation.

Rubin, Alan E.↗