The case against UV photostimulated oxidation of magnetite

We have studied the kinetics of magnetite oxidation in O2‐bearing atmospheres in the presence of electromagnetic radiation. No perceptible oxidation of magnetite by ultraviolet (UV) photostimulation occurred. These results do not corroborate previous conclusions by Huguenin (1973a,b; 1974) as to the occurrence of this process. Therefore, although we cannot totally rule out the possibility that the process actually occurs, we conclude that there is not yet a basis in laboratory experiments for inferring that UV photostimulated oxidation of magnetite occurs naturally on the surface of Mars.