A Mössbauer spectroscopic study of simulated weathering of Didwana ordinary chondrites.

A sample of an ordinary chondrite fall, Didwana-Rajod, Rajasthan, India which was shown to be largely unweathered, was exposed to weathering in laboratory conditions. Wet and dry cycle of different strengths (0.01 and 0.1 M) of sodium sulfate solution was applied for different periods of time (maximum of 140 days). An attempt was made to simulate meteorite weathering more or less analogous to environmental exposure in desert-like conditions. It is found that lower concentration of the attacking ions is more effective in weathering the meteorite. Kamacite is affected in early cycles of weathering more than any other mineral. The olivine to pyroxene ratio is much less affected. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]