Definition: Nanomineralogy is the study of Earth and planetary materials at nano-scales, focused on characterizing nanofeatures (like inclusions, exsolution, zonation, coatings, pores) in minerals and revealing nanominerals and nanoparticles (Ma 2008, 2010).
Nanomineralogy research at Caltech (1997-2006) was featured in an article "The Secret Lives of Minerals" in Engineering and Science (v70,1)
- A pseudo-colored SEM image showing an olivine micro-chondrule (3.6 microns in dia.) with metallic Fe-Ni spheres at the surface, from Allende meteorite. Such micro-chondrules formed from tiny molten droplets in the early solar system about 4.56 billion years ago.
- Discovery of new mineral hexamolybdenum (Mo, Ru, Fe) (IMA 2007-029) in an ultrarefractory inclusion from Allende meteorite, among the first solids formed in the solar system.
- Discovery of new mineral barioperovskite (BaTiO3) (IMA 2006-040).
- The most Ba-enriched muscovite: ganterite from Oreana.
- Finding hafnian zircon. Zircon is forever.
- 3D pairs: ALH84001 Martian meteorite.
- Nano-crystals covering up iron oxide.
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