High-Temperature Impact Structure's Melt Rocks & Glasses
| Additional photos for this section: Album 3 |
| Comet Impact Inquiry |
| "Science Related" not "Scientifically Related" |
A few of the fractured and angular rocks below show what appears to be baked mud adhering to
heated country rock and shock-melt pseudotachylite fragments, the glassy obsidian look-a-like in situ
formation. In some specimens, the melt, quite possible a mix with the baked mud and melt minerals
surrounds the heated country rock. It was “proposed” that cometary fragments would have rained for
days, which explain the rocks being fragmented and melted by shock, further fractured then covered
with other types of melts.
heated country rock and shock-melt pseudotachylite fragments, the glassy obsidian look-a-like in situ
formation. In some specimens, the melt, quite possible a mix with the baked mud and melt minerals
surrounds the heated country rock. It was “proposed” that cometary fragments would have rained for
days, which explain the rocks being fragmented and melted by shock, further fractured then covered
with other types of melts.
A rock showing clear melt glass coating (pics 1 & 2) and another showing melt flow bands on its surface as it
cooled/harden with gas pockets.
cooled/harden with gas pockets.
Shock-melt pseudotachylite fragment, the glassy obsidian look-a-like in situ formation rock, shows sharp angular edge breaks as well as conchoidal
fracture and lancet markings typical of glass fracture. Said fragment shows calcite crystals surrounded by phosphate glass (photo 1). Baked mud
adhering to and surrounding fractured and heated fragments of country rocks... sandstone (photo 3). Note that the gray and grayish-white rock
fragments are black on the inside__having the appearance of hornfels, a baked rock that forms from shale (photos 4 and 5). Additional photos in
Album 3.
fracture and lancet markings typical of glass fracture. Said fragment shows calcite crystals surrounded by phosphate glass (photo 1). Baked mud
adhering to and surrounding fractured and heated fragments of country rocks... sandstone (photo 3). Note that the gray and grayish-white rock
fragments are black on the inside__having the appearance of hornfels, a baked rock that forms from shale (photos 4 and 5). Additional photos in
Album 3.
Photo 4
Photo 3
Photo 2
Photo 1
The area's rocks down to and well-below bedrock, are those of the sedimentary type. This leaves little
similarities between some of the impactites found in sedimentary target with those often found in
metamorphic and/or mixed metamorphic and sedimentary type targets. Rarely recognized as such for
impact structure research, impactites of sedimentary targets are less known, and current thought is
to consider them as “unusual impact melt rocks”. When research is done, theories are spewed; yet,
photos are never available to the public in general.
similarities between some of the impactites found in sedimentary target with those often found in
metamorphic and/or mixed metamorphic and sedimentary type targets. Rarely recognized as such for
impact structure research, impactites of sedimentary targets are less known, and current thought is
to consider them as “unusual impact melt rocks”. When research is done, theories are spewed; yet,
photos are never available to the public in general.
One site shown as reference throughout this site that take the time to share photos and theory in a
clear concise manner for John Public is www.impact-structures.com. For information and photos of
“unusual impact melt rocks” created from impact on sedimentary target, please read “the
sedimentary target of the Azuara/Rubielos de la Cerida multiple impact in Spain." [http://www.impact-
structures.com/article/article_4.html]
clear concise manner for John Public is www.impact-structures.com. For information and photos of
“unusual impact melt rocks” created from impact on sedimentary target, please read “the
sedimentary target of the Azuara/Rubielos de la Cerida multiple impact in Spain." [http://www.impact-
structures.com/article/article_4.html]
High-temperature evidence covers proof of impact criteria no. 4 and shows the spectrum of
transformed and newly formed rocks such as pseudotachylite shock-melt rocks; vesicular, bubbly
foamy glass cinders; scoria, the pumice-like melt rock; calcite glass in rocks; glassy melt flow on
rocks; glass-like carbon (graphite), etc. (Some examples of impact melt rocks can be seen at
http://www.impact-structures.com/impactmeltpage.html.) Carbon and glass spherules; tear-shape or
melt droplets, button or flatten sphere, oval and irregular shaped glassy tektites, all materials
suggestive of melt drops, are addressed in the Shatter Cones & Special Evidence section. Many more
photos applicable to this section available in Album 3!
transformed and newly formed rocks such as pseudotachylite shock-melt rocks; vesicular, bubbly
foamy glass cinders; scoria, the pumice-like melt rock; calcite glass in rocks; glassy melt flow on
rocks; glass-like carbon (graphite), etc. (Some examples of impact melt rocks can be seen at
http://www.impact-structures.com/impactmeltpage.html.) Carbon and glass spherules; tear-shape or
melt droplets, button or flatten sphere, oval and irregular shaped glassy tektites, all materials
suggestive of melt drops, are addressed in the Shatter Cones & Special Evidence section. Many more
photos applicable to this section available in Album 3!
Photo 5
Impact melt rocks or impact glass, some with surface that are a dull black and fine texture and others with surface that are intense black and glassy in
appearance. These rocks have a pumice-like appearance, however, with smaller vesicles and a much gentler looking surface than those seen on
pumice or scoria formed from lava flow.
appearance. These rocks have a pumice-like appearance, however, with smaller vesicles and a much gentler looking surface than those seen on
pumice or scoria formed from lava flow.
References:
Melosh, H.J. (2003). The Mechanics of Pseudotachylite Formation in Impact Events, Lunar and Planetary Laboratory
Kord Ernstson, Uli Schüssler, Ferran Claudin and Michael Hiltl, Unusual melt rocks from meteorite impact
[http://www.impact-structures.com/article/article_4.html]
[http://www.impact-structures.com/article/article_4.html]
Highly magnetic mixture of vesicular glass and metal material believed to be a portion of the comet, more likely its outer portion or the
fusion crust. In the very contentious world of extra-terrestrial rocks passing through the Earth’s atmosphere, the fusion crusts are always
black, shiny and smooth. Lunar regolith breccias are the exception. “Lunar meteorites that are regolith breccias have highly vesicular
fusion crusts. The bubbles form as the meteor passes through the Earth’s atmosphere and solar-wind implanted gases are released
when the exterior melts (Korotev R. L. on Queen Alexandra Range (QUE) 94281 and others).” [http://meteorites.wustl.
edu/lunar/stones/que94281.htm]
fusion crust. In the very contentious world of extra-terrestrial rocks passing through the Earth’s atmosphere, the fusion crusts are always
black, shiny and smooth. Lunar regolith breccias are the exception. “Lunar meteorites that are regolith breccias have highly vesicular
fusion crusts. The bubbles form as the meteor passes through the Earth’s atmosphere and solar-wind implanted gases are released
when the exterior melts (Korotev R. L. on Queen Alexandra Range (QUE) 94281 and others).” [http://meteorites.wustl.
edu/lunar/stones/que94281.htm]
Photo 1
Photo 4
Photo 3
Photo 2
Taken with the Lunar and Planetary Institute’s research findings, which show that comets vents gas from their surface while near the sun;
the material being glassy and highly magnetic, it appears that these vesicular melts are the comet’s fusion crust.
the material being glassy and highly magnetic, it appears that these vesicular melts are the comet’s fusion crust.
Highly magnetic vesicular, mixture of glass and metal believed to be portions of the comet's fusion crust. A high metal content fragment is seen on
the far right (photo 2). The aggregate of colors showing on the fragments may be indicative of the pieces being subjected to very high temperature.
Close-up on broken fragments showing glass and vesicles (photo 4).
the far right (photo 2). The aggregate of colors showing on the fragments may be indicative of the pieces being subjected to very high temperature.
Close-up on broken fragments showing glass and vesicles (photo 4).
Shock-induced transformation or shock lithification of sand to fused silica glass - lechatelierite mix with other material caught on the fragment
(photos 1 - 3). [http://webmineral.com/data/Lechatelierite.shtml] Have not identify the melt in photo 4, only, the fragments show a thin line of foamy
melt glass on the edges.
(photos 1 - 3). [http://webmineral.com/data/Lechatelierite.shtml] Have not identify the melt in photo 4, only, the fragments show a thin line of foamy
melt glass on the edges.
Believed to be carbonate-phosphate melt rock... one of the many unusual impact melt rock to be found in Sedimentary target. Photos of whole rock
in Album 3 (photo 1). Possible calcite crystals polymorph surrounded by phosphate glass. These crystals form from the calcium carbonate shells of
small fossils (photos 2 & 3). Calcite glass in pseudotachylite (photo 4).
in Album 3 (photo 1). Possible calcite crystals polymorph surrounded by phosphate glass. These crystals form from the calcium carbonate shells of
small fossils (photos 2 & 3). Calcite glass in pseudotachylite (photo 4).
One of the first two pieces of the impactite fragments found was the highly glossy, glass-like carbon or graphite. First thought to be coal,
yet, I knew beforehand that the anthracite coal did not extend to this area. Prior research has shown that it is not before or at the current
depth at which it is found in other areas of North America. The State produces graphite found in shale and slate however, it is micaceous
and clayey. Further return to the tested impact structure (there are many around) turn up graphite fragments with in-between and duller
surface (dull graphite).
yet, I knew beforehand that the anthracite coal did not extend to this area. Prior research has shown that it is not before or at the current
depth at which it is found in other areas of North America. The State produces graphite found in shale and slate however, it is micaceous
and clayey. Further return to the tested impact structure (there are many around) turn up graphite fragments with in-between and duller
surface (dull graphite).
Although, I must point out that in one instance while in one of the three test areas dug, that I came across an imprint of grasses in the
soot. I broke apart when I tried to pick it up. There is also charcoal, at the point of impact, going down into the multicolor soil well below
the black mat. Perhaps, plants material morphed to the duller carbon state. More photos in Album 3!
soot. I broke apart when I tried to pick it up. There is also charcoal, at the point of impact, going down into the multicolor soil well below
the black mat. Perhaps, plants material morphed to the duller carbon state. More photos in Album 3!
The glass-like carbon fragments are haphazardly stacked with faces of different shapes and sizes, which show diagonal lines. Some are
non-planar with the fragments outer surface showing no evidence of stacking. Others show planes or layers of different sizes… one such
piece, when a plane was removed, showed a very brittle, thin, transparent red sheet beneath. The fragments break with conchoidal
fractures, which leave lancet markings typical of glass fracture.
non-planar with the fragments outer surface showing no evidence of stacking. Others show planes or layers of different sizes… one such
piece, when a plane was removed, showed a very brittle, thin, transparent red sheet beneath. The fragments break with conchoidal
fractures, which leave lancet markings typical of glass fracture.
Though diamagnetic, they show evidence of experiencing much higher heat and pressure than the duller graphite. I believe that the
glass-like carbon fragments are portions of the comet. Some of the graphite fragments show crustal melt, these areas being dotted with
what appears to be tiny luminescent crystals, or quite possible, elemental diamonds.
glass-like carbon fragments are portions of the comet. Some of the graphite fragments show crustal melt, these areas being dotted with
what appears to be tiny luminescent crystals, or quite possible, elemental diamonds.
The dull carbon fragments are non-planar and planar with the planar sheets making unfinished and bumpy layers. With the layers
appearing to have been laid out fast, the cleavages are disjointed and unlike regular carbon that cleaves in cubes. Perhaps these are
carbonate rock melts as suggested by Prof. Ernstson and colleagues [http://www.impact-structures.com/article/article_4.html].
appearing to have been laid out fast, the cleavages are disjointed and unlike regular carbon that cleaves in cubes. Perhaps these are
carbonate rock melts as suggested by Prof. Ernstson and colleagues [http://www.impact-structures.com/article/article_4.html].
Photo 1
Photo 4
Photo 3
Photo 2
Photo 5
Photo 6
Photo 7
Photo 8
Glass-like carbon with conchoidal fractures and lancet markings typical of glass fractures (photo 1). Glass-like carbon with sheets, with diagonal lines
on each sheets, haphazardly placed on the block (photo 2). Surface appearance of the glass-like carbon and the dull graphite. The dull graphite in
this photo also appears to have no layers (photo 3). This piece of carbon appeared in between that of the glass-like carbon and the dull graphite. Its
layers are align for the most part with colors one would see on a piece of tendered steel indicating that it experienced high temperature (photo 4).
on each sheets, haphazardly placed on the block (photo 2). Surface appearance of the glass-like carbon and the dull graphite. The dull graphite in
this photo also appears to have no layers (photo 3). This piece of carbon appeared in between that of the glass-like carbon and the dull graphite. Its
layers are align for the most part with colors one would see on a piece of tendered steel indicating that it experienced high temperature (photo 4).
Dull graphite with layers, however, the placement of each layer appears unfinished and bumpy (photo 5) Glassy carbon with crusty outer surface
having the appearance of experiencing high temperature. On close inspection, its surface sparkles with tiny crystals (photo 6). Photos 7 & 8 is my
attempt to show the crystals using a 30x magnifier.
having the appearance of experiencing high temperature. On close inspection, its surface sparkles with tiny crystals (photo 6). Photos 7 & 8 is my
attempt to show the crystals using a 30x magnifier.
| Photo Albums: |
| 7. Oddballs |
| History |
Impact melting in sedimentary target rocks. G.R. Osinski, J.G. Spray and R.A.F. Grieve, Workshop on Impact Cratering (2003).
[http://www.lpi.usra.edu/meetings/impact2003/pdf/8009.pdf]
[http://www.lpi.usra.edu/meetings/impact2003/pdf/8009.pdf]
Numerical modelling of impact melt production in porous rocks. K. Wünnemanna, G.S. Collinsb and G.R. Osinskic (Abstract 2008)
[http://www.sciencedirect.com/science?_ob=ArticleURL&_udi=B6V61-4S21TR4-2&_user=10&_rdoc=1&_fmt=&_orig=search&_sort=d&_docanchor=&view=c&_
acct=C000050221&_version=1&_urlVersion=0&_userid=10&md5=b057a9d987df89bbdc0345ed4bbcda8d]
[http://www.sciencedirect.com/science?_ob=ArticleURL&_udi=B6V61-4S21TR4-2&_user=10&_rdoc=1&_fmt=&_orig=search&_sort=d&_docanchor=&view=c&_
acct=C000050221&_version=1&_urlVersion=0&_userid=10&md5=b057a9d987df89bbdc0345ed4bbcda8d]
A SEARCH FOR TERRESTRIAL ANALOGUES TO MARTIAN LAYERED EJECTA STRUCTURES G., R. Osinski and H. J. Melosh
[http://www.marscraterconsortium.nau.edu/OsinskiMCC7.pdf]
[http://www.marscraterconsortium.nau.edu/OsinskiMCC7.pdf]