Public domain
Scanning electron microscope view of iron crystal
From the collection of NASA Image and Video Library. Free to download, adapt and use — no permission needed.
About this work
A scanning electron microscope photograph of iron crystals which grow in a small vug or cavity in a recrystallized breccia (fragmented rock) from the Apollo 15 Hadley-Apennino lunar landing site. The largest crystal is three microns across. Perfectly developed crystals such as these indicate slow formation from a hot vapor as the rock was cooling. The crystals are resting on an interlocking lattice of pyroxene (calsium-magnesium-iron silicate).
NASA Image and Video Library’s own descriptionSubjects
Credit lineScanning electron microscope view of iron crystal. NASA/JSC, 1972-11-10. Public domain. ID: S72-55208.
