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Percolative sulfide core formation in oxidized planetary bodies

Author

Listed:
  • Samuel D. Crossley

    (NASA Johnson Space Center
    USRA – Houston
    University of Arizona 1629 E. University Blvd)

  • Jacob B. Setera

    (NASA Johnson Space Center)

  • Brendan A. Anzures

    (NASA Johnson Space Center)

  • Kayla Iacovino

    (NASA Johnson Space Center)

  • Wayne P. Buckley

    (NASA Johnson Space Center)

  • Scott A. Eckley

    (NASA Johnson Space Center)

  • Evan W. O’Neal

    (NASA Johnson Space Center)

  • Jessica A. Maisano

    (The University of Texas)

  • Justin I. Simon

    (NASA Johnson Space Center)

  • Kevin Righter

    (NASA Johnson Space Center)

Abstract

Models of planetary core formation traditionally involve the fractionation of Fe,Ni-metal melts from silicate mantles after extensive silicate melting. However, in planetary bodies that form farther from their central star, where moderately volatile elements are more abundant, high concentrations of oxygen and sulfur stabilize Fe,Ni-sulfides over metals. Here we show that percolative sulfide melt migration can occur in primitive, oxidized mineral assemblages prior to silicate melting in partial melting experiments with meteorites. Complementary experiments with partially molten synthetic sulfides show that fractionation of liquid sulfide from solid residues yields distinct noble metal (Os, Ru, Ir, Pd, and Pt) trace element proportions that match those manifested in the most oxidized meteoritic residues, the brachinites, as well as their complementary basaltic silicate melts. Our experiments provide robust evidence for percolative sulfide melt fractionation in meteorites and indicate that sulfide-dominated cores would be expected in oxidized planetary bodies, including Mars.

Suggested Citation

  • Samuel D. Crossley & Jacob B. Setera & Brendan A. Anzures & Kayla Iacovino & Wayne P. Buckley & Scott A. Eckley & Evan W. O’Neal & Jessica A. Maisano & Justin I. Simon & Kevin Righter, 2025. "Percolative sulfide core formation in oxidized planetary bodies," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 16(1), pages 1-11, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:nat:natcom:v:16:y:2025:i:1:d:10.1038_s41467-025-58517-8
    DOI: 10.1038/s41467-025-58517-8
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. A. Khan & D. Huang & C. Durán & P. A. Sossi & D. Giardini & M. Murakami, 2023. "Evidence for a liquid silicate layer atop the Martian core," Nature, Nature, vol. 622(7984), pages 718-723, October.
    2. Takashi Yoshino & Michael J. Walter & Tomoo Katsura, 2003. "Core formation in planetesimals triggered by permeable flow," Nature, Nature, vol. 422(6928), pages 154-157, March.
    3. Bharathi Konkena & Kai junge Puring & Ilya Sinev & Stefan Piontek & Oleksiy Khavryuchenko & Johannes P. Dürholt & Rochus Schmid & Harun Tüysüz & Martin Muhler & Wolfgang Schuhmann & Ulf-Peter Apfel, 2016. "Pentlandite rocks as sustainable and stable efficient electrocatalysts for hydrogen generation," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 7(1), pages 1-8, November.
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