Troilite, an iron sulfide mineral, is common
in iron meteorites. In the Nordheim meteorite, it occurs as dispersed nodules
and lens-shaped masses, with sizes typically spanning 1 to 10 mm.
Daubreelite, a chromium iron sulfide mineral, is
frequently found alongside troilite. In Nordheim, it accounts for approximately
10-20% of the troilite formations, presenting as parallel, bar-like structures
within the troilite, ranging in width from 5 to 500 µm.
The troilite-daubreelite nodules in the Nordheim
meteorite stand out due to their unique configuration. The daubreelite bars
often extend slightly beyond the edges of the troilite nodules, producing a
recognizable pattern.
Nordheim is an ataxitic iron meteorite with a
nickel (Ni) content of 11.67% and is classified as ungrouped. Interestingly,
troilite and daubreelite nodules are also prevalent in hexahedrite iron
meteorites with lower nickel levels, such as the Walker County meteorite.
|
