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Neumann lines in a mesosiderite |
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| Meteorite: NWA 6266, mesosiderite |
| Figure 1. Scale bar 300 µm. |
| Meteorite: NWA 6266, mesosiderite. |
| Neumann lines in kamacite structures. |
| Mesosiderites are a type of stony-iron
meteorite. They are composed of roughly equal parts of metallic nickel-iron and
silicate minerals and are often brecciated. Neumann lines are not uncommon in the kamacite component. Mesosiderite meteorites are often brittle, they are composed of fragmented materials naturally cemented together. Their unique composition and structure contribute to their resilience during impacts. Neumann lines, also known as Neumann bands, are single or groups of parallel lines seen in acid-etched portions of the kamacite phase of iron meteorites. These lines are physical evidence of a shock-induced deformation likely resulting from impact events on the meteorite's parent body or during collisions in space. They are considered to be secondary structures. Dr. Randy Krotev, Washington University in St. Louis writes, {in mesosiderites}, "the metal component, primarily composed of kamacite and taenite, helps absorb and distribute the energy from impacts, reducing the likelihood of shattering." |
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