Identification of the origin the silicate, magnetic and glass spherules from trace elemental abundances by INAA

Chemical elemental compositions of some silicate, magnetic and glass spherules were investigated with INAA. The elements determined include Os, Ir, Ni, Co, Fe, Cr, Au, La, Ce, Sm, Eu, Yb, Lu and Sc etc. The elemental correlation, as well as their enrichment (or depletion) factors relative to C1 chondrite were examined. The high concentrations of the refractory siderophile elements contained in these spherules support the proposal that they originate from extraterrestrial substances. Some useful chemical criteria for identifying the sources of silicate, magnetic and glass spherules are put forward. (author)