Figure 8

MET 00426 meteorite thin section. Transmitted light optical micrographs of CR3 chondrite MET 00426. The low magnification view (top) allows for primary modal abundance analysis for large features such as chondrules, clasts, and matrix material. The transmitted light also helps to distinguish the types of chondrules (e.g. porphyritic olivine, radial pyroxene, etc.). This image above shows a high abundance of chondrules, with much less groundmass or matrix material. The higher magnification image (below) allows the user to observe crystal morphology, such as in this euhedral olivine grain. Here, the mesostasis surrounding the grain is glassy and shows no signs of recrystallization, indicating that this sample has experienced only minor shock or aqueous alteration.