Abstract:

This paper reviews the new results on the studies of shock effects of meteorites, and the shock-related pressure and temperature history. According to the studies of maskelynite and the mineral assemblages in the shock veins, it seems that the nowadays shock classifications of meteorites should be further modified. We suggest that the shocked meteorites could be classified into two groups; the group-A contains high-density phases, such as maskelynite and other high-pressure minerals; the group-B contains low-density phases, for instance diaplectic feldspar glass, molten glass and the assemblages of low-pressure minerals. The group-A can be further divided into subgroups according to the types and occurrence of high-pressure minerals, whereas the group-B can be further divided into subgroups based on the degree of melting of minerals and meteorites.