Study of a meteorite from the Geology collection of the National Museum of Natural Sciences using non-destructive techniques: an example of the application of correlative analysis strategies
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.3989/egeol.45782.1146Keywords:
Meteorite, Collections, Correlative microscopy, Scanning electron microscopy, Raman spectroscopy, Laser confocal microscopy, High resolution 3D microscopy, X-Ray micro-diffraction, X-ray computed microtomographyAbstract
The Meteorite Collection of the National Museum of Natural Sciences in Madrid houses several specimens of historical significance. Among these, the Madrid Meteorite (17167/MET-E-28) stands out, with its fall thoroughly documented in 1896. Scientific investigation of this specimen began in the same year and was expanded in subsequent decades through the application of various analytical techniques. Non-destructive methods have been particularly advantageous, as they ensure the long-term preservation of such unique material. The correlated application of these techniques to a specific region of the meteorite, combined with a full micro-computed tomography scan, enabled the confirmation of extra-terrestrial phosphates and evidence of impact-induced thermal processes. This case study demonstrates the effectiveness of integrating complementary analytical approaches, supported by the use of a reference marker, to enhance the structural and compositional analysis of rare meteoritic samples.
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