The chemical variation of moldavite tektites: Simple mixing of terrestrial sediments |
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| Authors: | Thomas MEISEL Jan-Michael LANGE Urs KRHENBÜHL |
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| Institution: | Thomas MEISEL,Jan-Michael LANGE,Urs KRÄHENBÜHL |
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| Abstract: | Abstract— To test different hypotheses of moldavite formation, a major and trace-element study of 25 moldavite tektites and Sm-Nd isotope measurement of three moldavite tektites was completed. The samples were selected from the classical substrewnfields and the newly described locations in Lusatia (Saxony, Germany). Samples with unusual bulk composition were also included. The results confirm earlier studies that the variation in the chemical composition can be explained by single impact and through incomplete mixing of at least three lithographical components dominated by one of the three minerals or mineral groups: dolomite, clay minerals and quartz. An additional endmember, possibly a rare Earth's mantle component, containing high Co, Cr and Ni concentrations is also needed to explain the observed variations in compatible elements of some tektites. Volatile element abundances are low but not necessarily the result of selective volatilization. |
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