Scanning Electron Microscope View of Iron Crystal
![Magnified view of iron crystals. Each has several flat faces. They look light grey, and the edges catch the light.](https://science.nasa.gov/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/detail_S72-55208_orig.jpg?w=4096&format=jpeg)
NASA/JSC
July 9, 2018
Credit | NASA/JSC |
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Historical Date | November 10, 1972 |
Language |
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A scanning electron microscope photograph of iron crystals which grow in a small vug or cavity in a recrystallized breccia (fragmented rock) from the Apollo 15 Hadley-Apennino lunar landing site. The largest crystal is three microns across. Perfectly developed crystals such as these indicate slow formation from a hot vapor as the rock was cooling. The crystals are resting on an interlocking lattice of pyroxene (calsium-magnesium-iron silicate).