MAGNETIC SPHERULES FROM PLEISTOCENE SEDIMENTS IN ALBERTA, CANADA

Magnetic spherules have recently been found in Pleistocene sediments i n Alberta, Canada. The spherules are composed of magnetite (FeFe2O4) a nd wustite (Fe1-xO); some have metallic cores composed of pure alpha-F e metal. Other metal cores contain from 0.1% to 0.88% Ni by weight. Co mparison of morphology, internal structure and chemical and mineralogi cal compositions with those of spherules of known origin suggests that the Alberta spherules are of extraterrestrial origin.