[meteorite-list] Pyroxene Crystals in Mike's Patagonian Iron

[bernd.pauli at paulinet.de]

Mike Farmer wrote:

Take a look at this, I got a box full of slices today, and they are simply breathtaking!
Marlin Cilz told me he has not cut a more beautful iron. What do the list members think
the large emerald green crystals are? Pyroxene? Every slice seems to have one or two of
them. The silicated and etch pattern in the silicated area reminds me a lot of Steinbach. 

http://meteoriteguy.com/collection/Patagoniairon.htm

Beautiful crystals, they are! Yes, I think they are pyroxene crystals (augite), probably
diopside [CaMgSi2O6]. Diopside has been found in these irons: Caddo County, Four Corners,
Ocotillo, and Udei Station. The most interesting of these with regard to Mike's iron is
probably Four Corners because of its polycrystallinity, its silicate-graphite inclusions,
its Neumann bands. Four Corners is anomalous and Mike's iron will surely be classified
as an anomalous iron, too!

Congratulations!

Bernd