settingsmeteorites

Settingsmeteorites is a term used in meteoritics and geochemistry to describe curated meteorite samples that function as reference materials for calibrating instruments and validating analytical methods in laboratory settings. The concept emphasizes the role of meteorite materials in establishing measurement settings—the baseline parameters used when acquiring data in techniques such as X-ray fluorescence, electron probe microanalysis, and isotope ratio mass spectrometry.

Origin and usage: The term is not widely adopted in primary literature but appears in some laboratory protocols and educational resources to highlight the use of extraterrestrial materials as calibration anchors. It serves as a practical label for samples that provide well-characterized benchmarks across multiple analytical platforms.

Selection and preparation: Settingsmeteorites are chosen for mineralogical diversity, documented provenance, and reproducible properties. They are prepared in standardized forms, such as polished sections or homogenized powders, and undergo thorough characterization to establish reference values for major and trace elements as well as isotopic ratios. Common selections include well-studied chondrites and iron meteorites, which offer stable matrices and known mineral assemblages that are useful for cross‑instrument comparisons.

Applications: They are used to set instrument response, normalize data between runs or units, and verify method performance. In teaching and outreach contexts, settingsmeteorites help illustrate calibration workflows and the interpretation of analytical results. Limitations include limited material availability, potential heterogeneity at small scales, and the need for meticulous documentation of provenance and treatment history.

See also: meteorite, standard reference material, geochemical calibration, archival samples.