[meteorite-list] searching for the correct terminology

[bernd.pauli at paulinet.de]

Mike in CO writes:

"You will probably think I am a bit off the latch with this question  
but here goes anyway... In the world of meteorite terminology, is  
there a term or word which describes the loss of fusion crust (by  
forces of nature) from stony meteorites.  'Spalling' possibly?  The  
loss of crust, part or all, seems to be a rather common occurrence  
especially for some of the more friable stonys.  With the crust gone,  
the stone is 'denuded'?"

Hi Mike and List, here are some examples:

ALHA77294 (H5):

Polygonally fractured, dull, brownish black fusion crust, approximately 1 mm thick,
covers all surfaces of this meteorite (~13.5 x 9.0 x 6.0 cm), with the exception of the
edges, which appear to have been   s p a l l e d.

ALHA78040 (AEUC):

The crust has been removed from the edges by   s p a l l a t i o n   and has
been preferentially weathered away on the surfaces in small circular areas.

ALHA78132 (AEUC):

The crust has been   s p a l l e d   or chipped in some areas ...

ALHA79022 (L3.7-4):

The areas devoid of fusion crust appear to have been   s p a l l e d
off or preferentially plucked off because they occur along ridges.

Bagdad (IIIAB):

Most of the fusion crust has   s p a l l e d   off due to terrestrial corrosion (Buchwald)...


Best wishes,

Bernd