KAMACITE Meaning and
Definition
-
Kamacite is a specific type of iron-nickel alloy that is commonly found in meteorites, particularly in the octahedrite class of iron meteorites. It is named after the Kamacite-Law which states that if a nickel-rich metallic phase contains more than 4.5% nickel, it will appear as kamacite. The composition of kamacite typically ranges from 90-95% iron and 5-10% nickel, although trace amounts of other elements like cobalt, phosphorus, and sulfur can also be present.
Kamacite is characterized by its distinctive crystal structure, which consists of parallel interlocking lamellae known as Widmanstätten patterns. These patterns form when the meteorite cools down extremely slowly over millions of years at a very low temperature. The presence of kamacite is a crucial factor in determining the authenticity of an iron meteorite as opposed to man-made iron objects.
From a visual perspective, kamacite typically appears as a shiny, metallic silver or gray color. It is highly malleable and ductile, which means it can be easily shaped or bent without breaking. Kamacite is also magnetic, a property that is commonly used to distinguish it from terrestrial iron minerals. Due to its unique composition and rarity on Earth, kamacite is highly prized by collectors and scientists for its scientific and historical significance in the study of meteorites.
Common Misspellings for KAMACITE
- jamacite
- mamacite
- lamacite
- oamacite
- iamacite
- kzmacite
- ksmacite
- kwmacite
- kqmacite
- kanacite
- kakacite
- kajacite
- kamzcite
- kamscite
- kamwcite
- kamqcite
- kamaxite
- kamavite
- kamafite
- kamadite
Etymology of KAMACITE
The term "kamacite" comes from the German word "Kamazit", which was introduced by the renowned German mineralogist Gustav Rose in 1861. The name "Kamazit" is derived from the Greek word "kamao", meaning "to go to bed" or "to sleep". This name was given due to the characteristic Widmanstätten pattern exhibited by kamacite when it is etched with acid, which resembles the lines on a bedsheet. The term "kamacite" is primarily used in the field of meteoritics to describe a specific type of iron-nickel alloy found in iron meteorites.
