CHONDRULE Meaning and
Definition
-
A chondrule is a microscopic, rounded mineral grain found in meteorites, specifically in the stony meteorites known as chondrites. It is considered a fundamental component of these meteorites and provides crucial insights into the early solar system's formation. Chondrules are typically about 1 millimeter in diameter but may range from less than a millimeter to several millimeters in size.
Chondrules are distinctive in appearance, displaying a wide array of shapes, including spherical, oval, and irregular. They are often composed of various minerals such as olivine, pyroxene, and glassy silica (formerly melted material). Some chondrules also contain metal, sulfides, or organic matter. The minerals within a chondrule can have different textures, colors, and proportions, giving rise to variations in the overall appearance of chondrules.
Although the exact formation mechanism of chondrules remains a subject of scientific investigation, it is generally believed that they originated from quick cooling of molten droplets or solidification of melt within the early solar nebula. This process likely occurred over a short time frame and at high temperatures. The chondrules were subsequently incorporated into chondrite meteorites during their formation in the asteroid belt.
The study of chondrules provides valuable information about the physical and chemical conditions present in the early solar system, including temperature, pressure, and the presence of volatile compounds. Understanding chondrules and their characteristics aids in deciphering the processes that led to the formation of our solar system and the Earth.
Common Misspellings for CHONDRULE
- xhondrule
- vhondrule
- fhondrule
- dhondrule
- cgondrule
- cbondrule
- cnondrule
- cjondrule
- cuondrule
- cyondrule
- chindrule
- chkndrule
- chlndrule
- chpndrule
- ch0ndrule
- ch9ndrule
- chobdrule
- chomdrule
- chondrune
- chondrulu
Etymology of CHONDRULE
The word "chondrule" comes from the combination of two Greek words - "chondros" (χόνδρος) meaning "grain" or "cartilage" and "ule" (-ουλος) as a diminutive suffix. Therefore, "chondrule" can be translated as "small grain" or "little cartilage". This term was introduced by the German mineralogist Ernst Friedrich Glocker in 1823 to describe the small spherical grains that form in the molten rock of meteorites. Over time, chondrules have been recognized as an important component of chondritic meteorites and have provided valuable insights into the early stages of the formation of the Solar System.
Similar spelling words for CHONDRULE
- chondrite,
- chondrify,
- chondrin,
- chantry,
- chondrus,
- chondroma,
- Chandra,
- chandelier,
- chondritic,
- control,
- chanter,
- condrey,
- chondriosome.
Infographic
Add the infographic to your website:
