zarcns

Zarcons are small, isolated inclusions of extraterrestrial rock found within meteorites. These inclusions are fragments of larger planetary bodies that were broken apart through asteroid collisions and other violent processes. The term "zarcon" was coined in the 1980s to describe these distinctive extraterrestrial minerals.

Zarcons are typically micrometer to millimeter-sized fragments of rock that contain mineral inclusions, often in the form of zircon crystals or other diffuse inclusions. These fragments have been ejected into space as a result of catastrophic events, such as the impact of a large asteroid into a planetary surface. Upon their arrival on Earth, these fragments were incorporated into larger meteorites, preserving their extraterrestrial origins.

The study of zarcons provides valuable insights into the history and evolution of the early solar system. Zircon crystals within the inclusions contain radioactive isotopes of uranium and thorium, which can be used to determine the age of the inclusions. These ages often indicate that the fragments originated from asteroids that were formed in the first billion years of solar system history, a time period thought to have been marked by the extensive formation of rocky planets.

Zarcons offer a unique perspective on the early history of the solar system, providing a window into the formation and destruction of planetary bodies. Continued research into the properties and origins of zarcons will undoubtedly refine our understanding of the early solar system, offering new insights into the events that shaped its development.