One technique used heavily by the Cosmochemistry
Group is cathodoluminescence, looking at the meteorite section under the
microscope as it is bombarded with electrons (“cathode rays”). The mineralogy and the trace and minor
element chemistry affect the cathodoluminescence of the grains, so one is
“seeing” composition and mineralogy, as well as structure. The images are also very beautiful.
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Cathodoluminescence view of the Semarkona meteorite (about one
centimeter across) showing various components.
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