Visible and near-infrared diffuse reflectance spectra of pyroxenes as applied to remote sensing of solid objects in the solar system

Abstract

Spin-allowed Fe2+ absorption bands occur in the visible and near-infrared diffuse reflectance spectra of most pyroxenes. The wavelengths of the bands centered near 1 μm and 2 μm vary as functions of pyroxene composition, making possible mineralogical and chemical deductions based on spectral reflectance curves. Typically, pyroxene bands are well developed in relation to absorption features in the spectra of other rock-forming minerals and glass; thus pyroxene often dominates the spectral curves of pyroxene-bearing rocks. Telescopic spectra of the moon and some other solar system objects contain absorption features that can be interpreted in terms of pyroxenes mixed with other minerals and/or glass.