New type of crystals found in chelyabinsk meteorite dust

[FfFfFfFF 58,113]

Carbon microcrystals with “unique morphological peculiarities” have been lurking in the dust left behind by a meteorite that exploded over southern Russia in February 2013. 

After recovering some of the particles left behind by the superbolide, researchers were stunned to find that these tiny grains of pulverized space rock contained carbon crystals with “exotic” structures that had never been seen before. 

While observing the well-preserved grains under a regular microscope, the researchers became intrigued by some odd-looking crystals, so decided to take a closer look using electron microscopy. “These objects showed a wonderful facet form with quasi-spherical symmetry,” write the authors, while explaining that some of the crystals possessed a “hexagonal rod” structure.

Using Raman spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction, they then determined that the crystals were in fact formed of layers of graphite surrounding a central “carbon nanocluster.”

Source

[InTheCloset 21,771]

It seems like being dark and edgy is the new thing.

[RebeldeFaith 5,750]

But if I wear it in a necklace will it grant me happiness and money? 

[gothicdream 39,655]

So cool!! Meteorites are fascinating