Nonequilibrium spherulitic magnetite in the Ryugu samples

We have investigated several particles collected during each of two touchdowns of the Hayabusa2 space-craft at the surface of the C-type asteroid 162173 Ryugu using various electron microscope techniques. Our detailed transmission electron microscopy study shows the presence of magnetite with various mor-phologies coexisting in close proximity. This is characteristic of CI chondrite-like materials and consistent with the mineral assemblages and compositions in the Ryugu parent body. We describe the microstruc-tural characteristics of magnetite with different morphologies, which could have resulted from the chem-ical conditions (growth vs. diffusion rate) during their formation. Furthermore, we describe the presence of magnetites with a spherulitic structure composed of individual radiating fibers that are characterized by pervasive, homogeneously distributed euhedral to subhedral pores that have not been described in previous chondrite studies. This particular spherulitic structure is consistent with crystallization under nonequilibrium conditions. Additionally, the presence of a high density of defects within the magnetite fibers, the high surface/volume ratio of this morphology, and the presence of amorphous materials in sev-eral pores and at the edges of the acicular fibers further support their formation under nonequilibrium conditions. We suggest that the growth processes that lead to this structure result from the solution reaching a supersaturated state, resulting in an adjustment to a lower free energy condition via nucle-ation and rapid growth.(c) 2023 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Automated summary

We analyzed particles collected during two touchdowns of the Hayabusa2 spacecraft on the surface of asteroid 162173 Ryugu using electron microscopy techniques. Our study revealed the presence of magnetite with different morphologies, similar to CI chondrite-like materials found in the Ryugu parent body. We also observed a spherulitic structure composed of radiating fibers with porous characteristics, which indicates crystallization under nonequilibrium conditions. Rating: 8/10.