The photomicrographs below are of the shergottite EET79001. This is the youngest of the SNC (or Mars-derived) meteorites, having been dated at only 150 Ma. Its mineralogy is similar to that of terrestrial basalts. In these images, the small, high relief, moderated birefringence (or moderately colored grains are Pyroxene; the large, highly birefringent (strongly colored) grains are Olivines, and the clear grains which are opaque with crossed polars are Maskelynite, a diaplectic glass formed when the mineral plagioclase feldspar undergoes severe shock.

For further insights into rocks through the microscope, check out the following online exercises:

Link to Meteorites under the Microscope.

Link to Terrestrial Rocks under a Microscope.

Link to the ALH8400l Meteorite Image Gallery.

Link to Mars Discussion Page.

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