New analyses - new photomicrographs: xifengite, gupeiite and titanium carbide

Neue Analysen - neue Erzmikroskopie: Xifengit, Gupeiit und Titankarbid

Nuevo análisis - nuevas microfotografías: xifengita, gupeiita y carburo de titanio

The peculiar metallic matter associated with the impact craters of the Chiemgau strewnfield has been analyzed in more detail (Institute of Mineralogy, University of Würzburg). Coalescence of iron silicides Fe₁Si₁, gupeiite Fe₃Si₁ and xifengite Fe₅Si₃ is regularly observed (Figs. 1, 2), and frequently titanium carbide, TiC, crystals are seen to float in a gupeiite matrix. The minerals xifengite and gupeiite have unambiguously been identified by x-ray analysis.

These studies and further enquiries among the local industries substantiate an origin of the metallic matter from the impact event.

For the discussion of an industrial origin of ferrosilicides and titanium carbide also see http://www.chiemgau-impact.com/discussion.html#Anchor-Th-55802.

Fig. 1. Elongated dark xifengite crystals (x) embedded in a gupeiite matrix (g). Polished section in reflected light.

Fig. 2. Crystal of ferrosilicide Fe₁Si₁ coated by xifengite, both floating in a gupeiite matrix. Polished section in reflected light.

Fig. 3. Elongated dark xifengite crystals (x) and titanium carbide inclusions (tc) embedded in a gupeiite matrix (g). Polished section in reflected light.

Fig. 4. Triangular crystals of titanium carbide in a matrix of gupeiite. Polished section in reflected light

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