A small, spherical particle or grain, typically of mineral material.
"Spherule" Examples
1. Geological Context
In the study of a meteorite, scientists identified numerous spherules, extremely small spherical particles of rock formed from the rapid cooling of molten material.
2. Microscopic Exams
The microscope revealed clusters of chert spherules that were produced by the intimate mixing of silica-rich liquid with alkaline magma during volcanic activity.
3. Atmospheric Effect
Tiny spherules observed in the upper atmosphere resulted from the condensation of droplets of aluminum oxide particles, some of which might eventually form bounded comets.
4. Earth’s Surface
At the site of the fossil volcanic ash deposit, various spherules were discovered upon which layers of dirt and other sedimentary materials condensed, gradually building new sedimentary rock.
5. Classification
The primary spherules collected from the island moon were caught up in atmospheric winds that go back around the Earth several orbits before they settled upon multiple distant locations.