Today I am delighted to present a sumptuously sculptural cryptocrystalline (CC-type) micrometeorite.
NMM 1075 is an opaque black cryptocrystalline with classic “turtleback” features. This striking extraterrestrial particle is characterized by large olivine pyramids that resemble mountains on a miniature planet. Measuring approximately 0.4 mm, which is quite an average size, NMM 1075 has no visible nickel-iron and few magnetite “Christmas trees” on its surface.
Of course the question that comes to my mind is whether this is a result of formation during atmospheric entry or a clue to the little rock’s precursor in space?
Naturally, the photo at the top of this blog post is by Jan Braly Kihle and me. Enjoy! Below I am delighted to share two scanning electron microscope (SEM) images taken by myself and Siri Simonsen at the University of Oslo.


So, what do you think? What could have caused a crack such as this on a micrometeorite and why do such cracks only seem to occur on similar cryptocrystalline spherules?
Share your thoughts with me on Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter. And be sure to peruse our books and limited edition fine art on the Project Stardust website.
Yours truly,
Jon Larsen