• @cynar
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      865 months ago

      It’s sand that has never been exposed to water or oxygen. This leaves various reactive chemicals on the surface that would normally be broken down. The lack of water also means the particles haven’t been smoothed off as much. They are sharp and spiky.

      The combination of these effects makes the dust quite unique, compared to earth dust.

          • @[email protected]
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            85 months ago

            Burned, according to the astronauts. I don’t know if the exact mechanism has been published anywhere, but since spent gunpowder has been oxidized I imagine that’s what’s going on with the dust as well.

    • @vind
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      265 months ago

      50% SiO2, 15% Al2O3, 10% CaO, 10% MgO, 5% TiO2 and 5-15% iron

      • rustydomino
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        25 months ago

        More like Jack Schmidt = Cave Johnson