ATAXITE Meaning and
Definition
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Ataxite refers to a specific type of meteorite characterized by its metallic composition and lack of a recognizable crystalline structure. Derived from the Greek word "ataxis," meaning disorder, ataxite describes a heterogeneous mixture of iron and nickel that lacks the typical alignment of atoms found in crystalline structures.
In terms of its physical properties, ataxite meteorites are primarily composed of around 90-95% iron, with the rest being nickel. Unlike other meteorite types, ataxites do not exhibit any visible crystal structure or characteristic patterns. Instead, they appear as a disordered mass, lacking a well-defined mineral arrangement. This disorderliness is often attributed to rapid cooling and solidification of molten metal during the meteorite's formation.
Ataxites are typically classified into two subtypes: coarse octahedrites and fine octahedrites. Coarse octahedrites contain larger chunks of interlocking nickel-bearing kamacite, forming a distinct Widmanstätten pattern when etched with acid. On the other hand, fine octahedrites, while sharing the same elemental composition, have smaller octahedral formations, making them more challenging to observe.
Due to their unique composition and structure, ataxite meteorites possess significant scientific importance. Researchers often study these meteorites to gain insights into the formation and evolution of celestial bodies. Additionally, ataxites can provide information about the early history and conditions of our solar system, offering valuable clues about the processes that occurred during its formation billions of years ago.
Common Misspellings for ATAXITE
- ztaxite
- staxite
- wtaxite
- qtaxite
- araxite
- afaxite
- agaxite
- ayaxite
- a6axite
- a5axite
- atzxite
- atsxite
- atwxite
- atqxite
- atazite
- atacite
- atadite
- atasite
- ataxute
- ataxjte
Etymology of ATAXITE
The word "ataxite" is derived from the Greek words "a-" meaning "without" or "not", and "taxos" meaning "order" or "arrangement". It specifically refers to a type of iron meteorite, which is characterized by its disordered or haphazard arrangement of metallic crystals. Hence, the term "ataxite" describes the lack of structural order in the composition of this meteorite.
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