Shock-produced olivine glass: First observation

Transmission electron microscope (TEM) observations of an experimentally shock-deformed single crystal of natural peridot, (Mg_0.88Fe_0.12)₂SiO₄, recovered from peak pressures of about 56 × 10⁹ pascals revealed the presence of amorphous zones located within crystalline regions with a high density of tangled dislocations. This is the first reported observation of olivine glass. The shocked sample exhibits a wide variation in the degree of shock deformation on a small scale, and the glass appears to be intimately associated with the highest density of dislocations. This study suggests that olivine glass may be formed as a result of shock at pressures above about 50 to 55 × 10⁹ pascals and that further TEM observations of naturally shocked olivines may demonstrate the presence of glass.