[meteorite-list] Interpreting meteorite classification

[Matson, Robert D.]

Hi Mike,

Indicates the number of individual measurements made of the indicated
parameter in order to determine the 1-sigma standard deviation.  So,
"Fa 14.4 +/- 0.5 (n=7)" means that seven measurements were made for
fayalite (olivine), the mean value was 14.4 and the standard deviation
was 0.5.  --Rob 

-----Original Message-----
From: meteorite-list-bounces at meteoritecentral.com [mailto:meteorite-list-bounces at meteoritecentral.com] On Behalf Of Michael Fowler
Sent: Monday, October 18, 2010 2:22 PM
To: meteorite-list at meteoritecentral.com
Cc: Michael Fowler
Subject: Re: [meteorite-list] Could we get back to the science of meteorites, please ?

List,

Could someone explain the meaning of the numbers in parenthesis?  (n=7) and (n=11) is the analysis below?

Thanks in advance.

Mike Fowler


> NOVA 010
> 
> W2 S3, olivine Fa 14.4 ±0.5 (n=7); low-Ca pyroxene Fs13.7 ±0.6, Wo0.6 
> ±0.3 (n=11)