The Origin and Physico-Chemical Properties of Some Unusual Earth Rock Fragments

Abstract

In this paper, several researches were undertaken related to a violent phenomenon, characterized by a sonic boom, felt on an area of at least 500 km2, shortly followed by the fall of rock fragments that were then recovered from the ground. These presented different appearance characteristics from those of the materials and rocks specific to the respective area. Spectroscopic and petrographic analyses were performed to identify the composition, morphological and crystallinity characteristics in order to elucidate the nature of the collected rock samples. Using FTIR spectroscopy functional groups, as those reported in the literature for Murchison, Bells and Allende, carbonaceous chondrite meteorites were identified. The fragments evidenced topography and morphology that can be assigned to the chondrules and chondrites of carbonaceous meteorites (CMs). The material in the fragments proved to be as insoluble organic material (IOM), being insoluble in water and organic solvents. Its crystalline structure was also evidenced by XRD analysis and FTIR spectrum. These physico-chemical properties, in relation to the sonic boom perceived in the area from where they were collected, indicate the spatial origin of the fragments of rock as possible meteorite fragments.

Keywords

• chemical and petrographic fingerprint
• carbonaceous chondrite
• meteorites
• LIBS
• volatile meteorites
• crystallinity