Mossbauer Effect Study of Libyan Desert Silica Glass

Abstract

The Mossbauer effect and X-ray fluorescence techniques are applied to study the Libyan Desert Silica Glass. The X-ray flourescence proved the existence of 13 elements in each sample of five glass types with differences in their relative abundance. The Mossbauer effect spectra showed a complex two spectral lines. Computer analysis gave Mossbauer effect parameters similar to those of iron silicate minerals, but no Fe34^ ions are detected. It is concluded that this Libyan Desert Silica Glass is one type of tektites formed by a huge meteorite impact on the earth's surface in that area.