Re: [meteorite-list] Serious question?

[Mark Ferguson]

I think the list has taken this thread well and answered a lot of the questions. It is interesting how terminology can be misunderstood, such as oxidation, its just not only rust! But,I think the most perplexing question has that of classifications. Since the researchers are somewhat divided as of yet on some classes as to where they should be placed or categorized, it makes for a lively topic. And I'm sure as equipment becomes more refined and techniques to define minerals become larger in numbers, those classes will become even more a subject of debate. Right now we have  isotopes on one side and physical mineralogy on the other and often they clash, or so it appears to me, and one is usually favored over the other for a definitive ruling on where a meteorite falls within a class. The other measure used is metal content. And this puzzles me somewhat as metals are a later forming element ( even though I've heard that some physicists consider any element other than Hydrogen or Helium a metal). And require some fractionation to occur before they are evolved out of solution. That it takes a sun to form before the heavier elements are even formed. This brings up the Aluminum isotopes used for initial heat of early planitismals. When is it formed and how is it formed so early on? And why is only the Aluminum isotopes ( Al26 I think) a source of internal heat mentioned. This is one of the things I haven't read about ( having only read Dodd, Wasson, Sears and one other that I just can't remember how his name is spelled but its like Ramdhor or something about opaque minerals in meteorites) and maybe that's what I need to read, so if someone on list knows of a book which covers the formation of basic elements a little better in how and when they formed early on, I catch up on the big picture.   Have enjoyed these topics very much and thanks to all for contributing Mark         ----- Original Message ----- From: Howard Wu To: Mark Ferguson Sent: Wednesday, September 17, 2003 11:47 AM Subject: Re: [meteorite-list] Serious question? Thanks Mark, I guess my point was it a big planet. Mars and the moon aren't puny either. Lots of different mineralogies if you could get a closer look.   So lets go...   Howard Wu Mark Ferguson <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: Different rock types Howard, Yosemite is granite batholith, Zion is sandstone ----- Original Message ----- From: Howard Wu To: mark ford ; [EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: Tuesday, September 16, 2003 11:53 AM Subject: RE: [meteorite-list] Serious question? When I go into Yosemite the cliffs are grey. When I am in Zion they are red. Go figure?   Howard Wu mark ford <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: On a similar note ... why is the Lunar surface Grey and Mars red if they are both resurfaced by meteorites, likewise wouldn't we expect other rocky bodies/planets to be red too especially those with a thin atmosphere? Surley the only process that would turn meteorite dust into red soil is oxygen or WATER ?? Any thoughts? Mark Ford. -----Original Message----- From: Tom aka James Knudson [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: 16 September 2003 05:56 To: meteorite-list Subject: [meteorite-list] Serious question? Hello List, Scientists are now thinking that mars is red from meteorite dust, right? They also say tons of meteorite dust are landing on earth, right? I was wondering if the black iron stuff we get on our magnets when we drag them through the dirt could me meteorite related? Thanks, Tom Peregrineflier <>< The proudest member of the IMCA 6168 ______________________________________________ Meteorite-list mailing list [EMAIL PROTECTED] http://www.pairlist.net/mailman/listinfo/meteorite-list ______________________________________________ Meteorite-list mailing list [EMAIL PROTECTED] http://www.pairlist.net/mailman/listinfo/meteorite-list Want to chat instantly with your online friends? Get the FREE Yahoo! Messenger Want to chat instantly with your online friends? Get the FREE Yahoo! Messenger