Strong Calcite-Like Spectra Cathodoluminescence Emission from Allende Meteorite Cai Phases

Abstract

Calcium–aluminum-rich inclusions (CAIs) of Allende CV3 chondrite were studied by Environmental Scanning Electron Microscopy (ESEM), Energy Dispersive Spectrometry (EDS), Backscattering (BS), and Spectra Cathodoluminescence (CL). CAI minerals show spectra CL curves exceeding the 450,000 a.u. with a large homogeneity along the white inclusions. CL curve features fit perfectly with terrestrial patterns of stressed specimens of weathered marble and limestone in which hydroxyl groups may be involved. Crypto-clusters of CaCO3, undetectable by means of EPMA, EDS, and Micro-Raman techniques, coupled to the CAI phases are inferred from the spectral CL data and from the carbon and calcium contents provided by the EDS probe.