EarthRef.org Reference Database (ERR)
Development and Maintenance by the EarthRef.org Database Team

Detailed Reference Information
Wang et al. 1999
Wang, A., Jolliff, B.L. and Haskin, L.A. (1999). Raman spectroscopic characterization of a Martian SNC meteorite: Zagami. Journal of Geophysical Research 104: doi: 10.1029/1999JE900004. issn: 0148-0227.

To demonstrate the ability of Raman spectroscopy to determine the mineralogical character of a rock that originated on Mars, we analyzed a small slab of normal Zagami by point analyses and multipoint scans using laboratory spectrometers. Spectra of clinopyroxenes were dominant; their compositions were estimated from a calibration of Raman peak positions with Mg/(Mg+Fe) based on lunar pyroxenes of known composition, and these agree with compositions obtained by electron microprobe. A few spectra of orthopyroxene were observed. The broad spectrum of maskelynite was observed, but not that of plagioclase feldspar. Spectra of minor phosphates, magnetite, and pyrrhotite were obtained, as were spectra of an organic contaminant and of hematite, both apparently introduced during sample handling prior to Raman analysis. The modal analysis based on the multipoint scans agrees well with published values. If the spectra had been obtained on the surface of Mars by Raman spectroscopic analysis as a stand-alone method and no other information about the sample was available (and by ignoring the spurious hematite and organic material), we could rule out sedimentary and plutonic rock types and conclude that the sample was a pyroxene-phyric basalt. ¿ 1999 American Geophysical Union

BACKGROUND DATA FILES

Abstract

Keywords
Mineral Physics, Optical, infrared, and Raman spectroscopy, Planetology, Solar System Objects, Mars, Mineralogy and Petrology, Meteorites, Planetology, Solar System Objects, Instruments and techniques
Journal
Journal of Geophysical Research
http://www.agu.org/journals/jb/
Publisher
American Geophysical Union
2000 Florida Avenue N.W.
Washington, D.C. 20009-1277
USA
1-202-462-6900
1-202-328-0566
service@agu.org
Click to clear formClick to return to previous pageClick to submit