lepidocrocite Archives

a) Large area EDS map of Nantan meteorite sample showing the distribution of detected elements. b) XPS SnapMaps of Nantan fragment showing the distribution of Fe and Ni. c) XRF maps of individual elements detected, with a focus on Fe and Ni. -- astro-ph.EP

Astrochemistry, Astrogeology, Biochemistry & Organic Chemistry, Biosignatures & Paleobiology, Meteorites & Asteroids, Sample Return, Status Report

Correlative Microstructural Analysis of a Weathered Nantan Meteorite Fragment

by Keith CowingApril 19, 2026April 19, 2026

The weathering of iron-rich phases within meteorites is a multi-stage process that significantly alters the microstructure and chemical composition based both on the environmental condition at the location of landing […]

Raman images showing the distribution of OM (red) and titanite (Ttn, purple) inside spheroids immediately adjacent to apatite (Ap, turquoise) and lepidocrocite (Lpc, white) embedded in the basaltic glass fragment composed of chlorite (Chl, blue). Note the surrounding matrix of calcite (Cal, green) does not contain apatite, the presence of microscopic size apatite and of nanoscopic size apatite crystals, and the location of the two regions of interest (ROI) for each. -- Nature Communications Earth & Environment

Biochemistry & Organic Chemistry, Biosignatures & Paleobiology, Fossils & Paleontology, Imaging & Spectroscopy, Microbiology & Virology, Nanotechnology & SynBio, Status Report

Ichnofossils in Volcanic Glass From Palaeoproterozoic Hydrothermal Vents Were Burrowed By Microorganisms Probably Seeking Phosphate

by Keith CowingApril 6, 2026April 6, 2026

Ichnofossils in basaltic glass are putative microscopic trace fossils occurring on modern seafloor and throughout Earth history. While their biological origin remains debated, it is unknown why microorganisms thrive in […]