Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 11, 2026
04:36
Production of Synthetic Nuclear Melt Glass
Published on: January 4, 2016
Microtektites and tektites: a chemical comparison.
Science (New York, N.Y.)
|November 20, 1970
Summary
Comparing Ivory Coast and Australasian microtektites reveals chemical similarities with local tektites. However, microtektite trace elements differ significantly from lunar samples from Apollo 11 and Apollo 12 missions.
Area of Science:
- Geochemistry
- Planetary Science
- Tektite Research
Background:
- Microtektites offer insights into impact events and extraterrestrial material.
- Previous studies have analyzed tektite and microtektite compositions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the elemental abundances of Ivory Coast and Australasian microtektites.
- To investigate the chemical relationship between microtektites and associated tektites.
- To contrast microtektite compositions with lunar samples.
Main Methods:
- Elemental abundance analysis was performed.
- Comparisons were made for 20 trace elements and 3 major elements.
Main Results:
- Distinct chemical similarities were found between Ivory Coast microtektites and nearby tektites.
- Australasian microtektites also showed similarities to local tektites.
- Several trace element abundances in microtektites differed notably from Apollo 11 and Apollo 12 samples.
Conclusions:
- Microtektites share chemical characteristics with their terrestrial counterparts.
- Microtektite geochemistry provides a distinct signature compared to lunar samples.
Related Concept Videos
01:15Transmission Electron Microscopy
In 1931, physicist Ernst Ruska—building on the idea that magnetic fields can direct an electron beam just as lenses can direct a beam of light in an optical microscope—developed the first prototype of the electron microscope. This development led to the development of the field of electron microscopy. In the transmission electron microscope (TEM), electrons are produced by a hot tungsten element and accelerated by a potential difference in an electron gun, which gives them up to 400 keV in...
02:27Predicting Molecular Geometry
VSEPR Theory for Determination of Electron Pair Geometries
01:01Classification of Titrimetric Analysis Based on Reaction Types
Titrimetric analysis in solution chemistry involves measuring the volume of solutions and is often called volumetric analysis. The standard solution of known concentration in the burette is called the titrant, whereas the solution of unknown concentration in the flask is called the analyte, or titrand. Titrimetric analyses can be classified into four types based on the reactions between the titrant and analyte.
Titrations between an acid and a base lead to neutralization reactions that form...
Titrations between an acid and a base lead to neutralization reactions that form...
01:20Preparation of Samples for Electron Microscopy
To be visualized by an electron microscope, either transmission or scanning, biological samples need to be fixed (stabilized) so the electron beam does not destroy them and dried thoroughly (desiccated/dehydrated) so the vacuum does not affect them. Fixation needs to be done as quickly as possible because the sample properties will start changing as soon as it is removed from its natural environment. For example, in a tissue sample, the oxygen levels begin decreasing, causing an altered...