Analysis of ordinary chondrites using powder X‐ray diffraction: 2. Applications to ordinary chondrite parent‐body processes

Abstract– We evaluate the chemical and physical conditions of metamorphism in ordinary chondrite parent bodies using X‐ray diffraction (XRD)‐measured modal mineral abundances and geochemical analyses of 48 type 4–6 ordinary chondrites. Several observations indicate that oxidation may have occurred during progressive metamorphism of equilibrated chondrites, including systematic changes with petrologic type in XRD‐derived olivine and low‐Ca pyroxene abundances, increasing ratios of MgO/(MgO+FeO) in olivine and pyroxene, mean Ni/Fe and Co/Fe ratios in bulk metal with increasing metamorphic grade, and linear Fe addition trends in molar Fe/Mn and Fe/Mg plots. An aqueous fluid, likely incorporated as hydrous silicates and distributed homogeneously throughout the parent body, was responsible for oxidation. Based on mass balance calculations, a minimum of 0.3–0.4 wt% H₂O reacted with metal to produce oxidized Fe. Prior to oxidation the parent body underwent a period of reduction, as evidenced by the unequilibrated chondrites. Unlike olivine and pyroxene, average plagioclase abundances do not show any systematic changes with increasing petrologic type. Based on this observation and a comparison of modal and normative plagioclase abundances, we suggest that plagioclase completely crystallized from glass by type 4 temperature conditions in the H and L chondrites and by type 5 in the LL chondrites. Because the validity of using the plagioclase thermometer to determine peak temperatures rests on the assumption that plagioclase continued to crystallize through type 6 conditions, we suggest that temperatures calculated using pyroxene goethermometry provide more accurate estimates of the peak temperatures reached in ordinary chondrite parent bodies.     

A critical evaluation of oxidation versus reduction during metamorphism of L and LL group chondrites,and implications for asteroid spectroscopy

Abstract— Modal mineralogies of individual, equilibrated (petrologic type 4–6 L and LL chondrites have been measured using an electron microprobe mapping technique, and the chemical compositions of coexisting silicate minerals have been analyzed. Progressive changes in the relative abundances and in the molar Fe/Mn and Fe/Mg ratios of olivine, low‐Ca pyroxene, and diopside occur with increasing metamorphic grade. Variations in olivine/low‐Ca pyroxene ratios (Ol/Px) and in metal abundances and compositions with petrologic type support the hypothesis that oxidation of metallic iron accompanied thermal metamorphism in ordinary chondrites. Modal Ol/Px ratios are systematically lower than normative Ol/Px ratios for the same meteorites, suggesting that the commonly used C.I.P.W. norm calculation procedure may not adequately estimate silicate mineral abundances in reduced chondrites. Ol/Px ratios calculated from visible and near‐infrared (VISNIR) reflectance spectra of the same meteorites are not in agreement with other Ol/Px determinations, possibly because of spectral complexities arising from other minerals in chondrites. Characteristic features in VISNIR spectra are sensitive to the proportions and compositions of olivine and pyroxenes, the minerals most affected by oxidative metamorphism. This work may allow spectral calibration for the determination of mineralogy and petrologic type, and thus may be useful for spectroscopic studies of asteroids.     

Intermineral oxygen three‐isotope systematics of silicate minerals in equilibrated ordinary chondrites

High‐precision oxygen three‐isotope ratios were measured for four mineral phases (olivine, low‐Ca and high‐Ca pyroxene, and plagioclase) in equilibrated ordinary chondrites (EOCs) using a secondary ion mass spectrometer. Eleven EOCs were studied that cover all groups (H, L, LL) and petrologic types (4, 5, 6), including S1–S4 shock stages, as well as unbrecciated and brecciated meteorites. SIMS analyses of multiple minerals were made in close proximity (mostly <100 μm) from several areas in each meteorite thin section, to evaluate isotope exchange among minerals. Oxygen isotope ratios in each mineral become more homogenized as petrologic type increases with the notable exception of brecciated samples. In type 4 chondrites, oxygen isotope ratios of olivine and low‐Ca pyroxene are heterogeneous in both δ¹⁸O and Δ¹⁷O, showing similar systematics to those in type 3 chondrites. In type 5 and 6 chondrites, oxygen isotope ratios of the four mineral phases plot along mass‐dependent fractionation lines that are consistent with the bulk average Δ¹⁷O of each chondrite group. The δ¹⁸O of three minerals, low‐Ca and high‐Ca pyroxene and plagioclase, are consistent with equilibrium fractionation at temperatures of 700–1000 °C. In most cases the δ¹⁸O values of olivine are higher than those expected from pyroxene and plagioclase, suggesting partial retention of premetamorphic values due to slower oxygen isotope diffusion in olivine than pyroxene during thermal metamorphism in ordinary chondrite parent bodies.     

FeO‐rich silicates in the Sahara 97159 (EH3) enstatite chondrite: Mineralogy,oxygen isotopic compositions,and origin

Abstract— We report the mineralogy and oxygen isotopic compositions of FeO‐rich silicates in the Sahara 97159 EH3 chondrite. This component is referred to as FeO‐rich because it contains substantially more FeO than the characteristic FeO‐poor silicates in the highly reduced enstatite meteorites. These FeO‐rich silicates are mostly low‐Ca pyroxene (Fs5–35) and their compositions suggest an origin under more oxidizing conditions, like those for the ordinary chondrites. However, the mafic silicates in ordinary and carbonaceous chondrites are dominantly olivine, and the FeO‐rich silicates in the E chondrites are less commonly olivine. The oxygen isotopic compositions of the FeO‐rich silicates are indistinguishable from those of FeO‐poor silicates in Sahara 97159. These observations suggest that both the FeO‐rich silicates and the FeO‐poor silicates in EH chondrites formed from the same oxygen reservoir where redox conditions varied widely.     

Characterization of Mason Gully (H5): The second recovered fall from the Desert Fireball Network

Mason Gully, the second meteorite recovered using the Desert Fireball Network (DFN), is characterized using petrography, mineralogy, oxygen isotopes, bulk chemistry, and physical properties. Geochemical data are consistent with its classification as an H5 ordinary chondrite. Several properties distinguish it from most other H chondrites. Its 10.7% porosity is predominantly macroscopic, present as intergranular void spaces rather than microscopic cracks. Modal mineralogy (determined via PS‐XRD, element mapping via energy dispersive spectroscopy [EDS], and X‐ray tomography [for sulfide, metal, and porosity volume fractions]) consistently gives an unusually low olivine/orthopyroxene ratio (0.67?0.76 for Mason Gully versus ~1.3 for typical H5 ordinary chondrites). Widespread “silicate darkening” is observed. In addition, it contains a bright green crystalline object at the surface of the recovered stone (diameter ≈ 1.5 mm), which has a tridymite core with minor α‐quartz and a rim of both low‐ and high‐Ca pyroxene. The mineralogy allows the calculation of the temperatures and ?(O₂) characterizing thermal metamorphism on the parent body using both the two‐pyroxene and the olivine‐chromite geo‐oxybarometers. These indicate that MG experienced a peak metamorphic temperature of ~900 °C and had a similar ?(O₂) to Kernouvé (H6) that was buffered by the reaction between olivine, metal, and pyroxene. There is no evidence for shock, consistent with the observed porosity structure. Thus, while Mason Gully has some unique properties, its geochemistry indicates a similar thermal evolution to other H chondrites. The presence of tridymite, while rare, is seen in other OCs and likely exogenous; however, the green object itself may result from metamorphism.     

Spectral properties and mineral compositions of acapulcoite–lodranite clan meteorites: Establishing S‐type asteroid–meteorite connections

Except for asteroid sample return missions, measurements of the spectral properties of both meteorites and asteroids offer the best possibility of linking meteorite groups with their parent asteroid(s). Visible plus near‐infrared spectra reveal distinguishing absorption features controlled mainly by the Fe²⁺ contents and modal abundances of olivine and pyroxene. Meteorite samples provide relationships between spectra and mineralogy. These relationships are useful for estimating the olivine and pyroxene mineralogy of stony (S‐type) asteroid surfaces. Using a suite of 10 samples of the acapulcoite–lodranite clan (ALC), we have developed new correlations between spectral parameters and mafic mineral compositions for partially melted asteroids. A well‐defined relationship exists between Band II center and ferrosilite (Fs) content of orthopyroxene. Furthermore, because Fs in orthopyroxene and fayalite (Fa) content in olivine are well correlated in these meteorites, the derived Fs content can be used to estimate Fa of the coexisting olivine. We derive new equations for determining the mafic silicate compositions of partially melted S‐type asteroid parent bodies. Stony meteorite spectra have previously been used to delineate meteorite analog spectral zones in Band I versus band area ratio (BAR) parameter space for the establishment of asteroid–meteorite connections with S‐type asteroids. However, the spectral parameters of the partially melted ALC overlap with those of ordinary (H) chondrites in this parameter space. We find that Band I versus Band II center parameter space reveals a clear distinction between the ALC and the H chondrites. This work allows the distinction of S‐type asteroids as nebular (ordinary chondrites) or geologically processed (primitive achondrites).     

NWA 10214—An LL3 chondrite breccia with an assortment of metamorphosed,shocked, and unique chondrite clasts

NWA 10214 is an LL3‐6 breccia containing ~8 vol% clasts including LL5, LL6, and shocked‐darkened LL fragments as well as matrix‐rich Clast 6 (a new kind of chondrite). This clast is a dark‐colored, subrounded, 6.1 × 7.0 mm inclusion, consisting of 60 vol% fine‐grained matrix, 32 vol% coarse silicate grains, and 8 vol% coarse opaque grains. The large chondrules and chondrule fragments are mainly Type IB; one small chondrule is Type IIA. Also present are one 450 × 600 μm spinel‐pyroxene‐olivine CAI and one 85 × 110 μm AOI. Clast 6 possesses a unique set of properties. (1) It resembles carbonaceous chondrites in having relatively abundant matrix, CAIs, and AOIs; the clast's matrix composition is close to that in CV3 Vigarano. (2) It resembles type‐3 OC in its olivine and low‐Ca pyroxene compositional distributions, and in the Fe/Mn ratio of ferroan olivine grains. Its mean chondrule size is within 1σ of that of H chondrites. The O‐isotopic compositions of the chondrules are in the ordinary‐ and R‐chondrite ranges. (3) It resembles type‐3 enstatite chondrites in the minor element concentrations in low‐Ca pyroxene grains and in having a high low‐Ca pyroxene/olivine ratio in chondrules. Clast 6 is a new variety of type‐3 OC, somewhat more reduced than H chondrites or chondritic clasts in the Netschaevo IIE iron; the clast formed in a nebular region where aerodynamic radial drift processes deposited a high abundance of matrix material and CAIs. A chunk of this chondrite was ejected from its parent asteroid and later impacted the LL body at low relative velocity.     

Screening and classification of ordinary chondrites by Raman spectroscopy

Classification of ordinary chondrite meteorites generally implies (1) determining the chemical group by the composition in endmembers of olivine and pyroxene, and (2) identifying the petrologic group by microstructural features. The composition of olivine and pyroxene is commonly obtained by microprobe analyses or oil immersion of mineral separates. We propose Raman spectroscopy as an alternative technique to determine the endmember content of olivine and pyroxene in ordinary chondrites, by using the link between the wavelength shift of selected characteristic peaks in the spectra of olivine and pyroxene and the Mg/Fe ratio in these phases. The existing correlation curve has been recalculated from the Raman spectrum of reference minerals of known composition and further refined for the range of chondritic compositions. Although the technique is not as accurate as the microprobe for determining the composition of olivine and pyroxene, for most of the samples the chemical group can be easily determined by Raman spectroscopy. Blind tests with ordinary chondrites of different provenance, weathering, and shock stages have confirmed the potential of the method. Therefore, we suggest that a preliminary screening and the classification of most of the equilibrated ordinary chondrites can be carried out using an optical microscope equipped with a Raman spectrometer.     

Nonporphyritic chondrules from equilibrated Rumuruti and ordinary chondrites: Chemical evidence of secondary processing

Abstract– Nineteen nonporphyritic pyroxene and pyroxene/olivine chondrules, chondrule fragments, and irregular objects were studied from two equilibrated chondrites, the ordinary (L/LL5) Knyahinya chondrite and the Rumuruti type (R4) Ouzina chondrite. Major element contents for almost all objects in the chondrites are disturbed from their chondritic ratios, most probably during metamorphic re‐equilibration. However, the volatile elements (Na₂O + K₂O) in Ouzina scatter around the CI line, probably the result of being generated and/or processed in different environments as compared with those for Knyahinya. All studied objects from Knyahinya and Ouzina possess systematically fractionated trace element abundances. Depletion of LREE with respect to HREE and ultra‐refractory HFSE documents variable degrees of LREE transport into an external mineral sink and restricted mobility of most of the HREE and HFSE. Moderately volatile elements preserve volatility‐controlled abundances. Strongly fractionated Rb/Cs ratios (up to 10× CI) in all studied objects suggest restricted mobility of the large Cs ion. All studied objects sampled and preserved Y and Ho in solar proportions, a feature that they share with the nonporphyritic chondrules of unequilibrated ordinary chondrites.     

Plagioclase‐rich chondrules in the reduced CV chondrites: Evidence for complex formation history and genetic links between calcium‐aluminum‐rich inclusions and ferromagnesian chondrules

Abstract— Plagioclase‐rich chondrules (PRCs) in the reduced CV chondrites Efremovka, Leoville, Vigarano and Grosvenor Mountains (GRO) 94329 consist of magnesian low‐Ca pyroxene, Al‐Ti‐Cr‐rich pigeonite and augite, forsterite, anorthitic plagioclase, FeNi‐metal‐sulfide nodules, and crystalline mesostasis composed of silica, anorthitic plagioclase and Al‐Ti‐Cr‐rich augite. The silica grains in the mesostases of the CV PRCs are typically replaced by hedenbergitic pyroxenes, whereas anorthitic plagioclase is replaced by feldspathoids (nepheline and minor sodalite). Some of the PRCs contain regions that are texturally and mineralogically similar to type I chondrules and consist of forsterite, low‐Ca pyroxene and abundant FeNi‐metal nodules. Several PRCs are surrounded by igneous rims or form independent compound objects. Twelve PRCs contain relic calcium‐aluminum‐rich inclusions (CAIs) composed of anorthite, spinel, high‐Ca pyroxene, ± forsterite, and ± Al‐rich low‐Ca pyroxene. Anorthite of these CAIs is generally more heavily replaced by feldspathoids than anorthitic plagioclase of the host chondrules. This suggests that either the alteration predated formation of the PRCs or that anorthite of the relic CAIs was more susceptible to the alteration than anorthitic plagioclase of the host chondrules. These observations and the presence of igneous rims around PRCs and independent compound PRCs suggest that the CV PRCs may have had a complex, multistage formation history compared to a more simple formation history of the CR PRCs. Relatively high abundances of moderately‐volatile elements such as Cr, Mn and Si in the PRCs suggests that these chondrules could not have been produced by volatilization of ferromagnesian chondrule precursors or by melting of refractory materials only. We infer instead that PRCs in carbonaceous chondrites formed by melting of the reduced chondrule precursors (magnesian olivine and pyroxene, FeNi‐metal) mixed with refractory materials (relic CAIs) composed of anorthite, spinel, high‐Ca pyroxene, and forsterite. The mineralogical, chemical and textural similarities of the PRCs in several carbonaceous chondrite groups (CV, CO, CH, CR) and common presence of relic CAIs in these chondrules suggest that PRCs may have formed in the region(s) intermediate between the regions where CAIs and ferromagnesian chondrules originated.     

Systematics of Mössbauer absorption areas in ordinary chondrites and applications to a newly fallen meteorite in Jodhpur,India

Abstract— Mössbauer absorption areas corresponding to ⁵⁷Fe in olivine, pyroxene, troilite, and the metallic phase in ordinary chondrites are shown to exhibit certain systematic behaviors. H chondrites occupy 2 distinct regions on the plot of metallic phase absorption area versus silicate absorption area, while L/LL chondrites fall in a separate region. Similar separation is also observed when pyroxene absorption area is plotted against olivine absorption area. The one‐dimensional plot for the ratio of olivine area to pyroxene area separates L and LL chondrites. Based on these systematics, a newly fallen meteorite at Jodhpur, India is suggested to be an LL chondrite.     

Anorthite‐rich chondrules in CR and CH carbonaceous chondrites: Genetic link between calcium‐aluminum‐rich inclusions and ferromagnesian chondrules

Abstract— Anorthite‐rich chondrules in CR and CH carbonaceous chondrites consist of magnesian low‐Ca pyroxene and forsterite phenocrysts, FeNi‐metal nodules, interstitial anorthite, Al‐Ti‐Cr‐rich low‐Ca and high‐Ca pyroxenes, and crystalline mesostasis composed of silica, anorthite and high‐Ca pyroxene. Three anorthite‐rich chondrules contain relic calcium‐aluminum‐rich inclusions (CAIs) composed of anorthite, spinel, ±Al‐diopside, and ± forsterite. A few chondrules contain regions which are texturally and mineralogically similar to magnesian (type I) chondrules and consist of forsterite, low‐Ca pyroxene and abundant FeNi‐metal nodules. Anorthite‐rich chondrules in CR and CH chondrites are mineralogically similar to those in CV and CO carbonaceous chondrites, but contain no secondary nepheline, sodalite or ferrosilite. Relatively high abundances of moderately‐volatile elements such as Cr, Mn and Si in the anorthite‐rich chondrules suggest that these chondrules could not have been produced by volatilization of the ferromagnesian chondrule precursors or by melting of the refractory materials only. We infer instead that anorthite‐rich chondrules in carbonaceous chondrites formed by melting of the reduced chondrule precursors (olivine, pyroxenes, FeNi‐metal) mixed with the refractory materials, including relic CAIs, composed of anorthite, spinel, high‐Ca pyroxene and forsterite. The observed mineralogical and textural similarities of the anorthite‐rich chondrules in several carbonaceous chondrite groups (CV, CO, CH, CR) may indicate that these chondrules formed in the region(s) intermediate between the regions where CAIs and ferromagnesian chondrules originated. This may explain the relative enrichment of anorthite‐rich chondrules in ¹⁶O compared to typical ferromagnesian chondrules (Russell et al., 2000).     

Petrology and Raman spectroscopy of high pressure phases in the Gujba CB chondrite and the shock history of the CB parent body

Abstract– High pressure phases majorite, possibly majorite‐pyrope_ss, wadsleyite, and coesite are present in the matrix and in barred olivine fragments in the Gujba CB chondrite. Grossular‐pyrope was also observed in some small inclusions. The CB chondrites are metal‐rich meteorites with characteristics that sharply distinguish them from other chondrite groups. All of the CB chondrites contain impact melt regions interstitial to their chondrules, fragments and metal and a major impact event (or events), on the CB chondrite parent body is clearly a significant stage in its history. We studied three areas interstitial to chondrules and metal in the Gujba CB_a chondrite. From Raman spectra, the barred olivine fragments and matrix in these regions have various combinations of olivine and low‐Ca pyroxene, as well as majorite garnet (Mg₄Si₄O₁₂), a phase that forms by high‐pressure transformation of low‐Ca pyroxene and wadsleyite, a high pressure product of olivine. Compositions of the majorite suggest both majorite and majorite‐pyrope solid solution may be present. The mineral assemblage of majorite and wadsleyite suggest minimum shock pressures and temperatures of ～19 GPa and ～2000 °C, respectively. The occurrences of high pressure phases are variable from one area to another, on the scale of millimeters or less, suggesting heterogeneous distribution of shock and/or back transformation to low pressure polymorphs throughout the meteorite. The high pressure phases record a high temperature–pressure impact event that is superimposed onto, and thus postdates formation of, the chondrules and other components in the CB chondrites. The barred chondrules and metal in the CB chondrites are primary materials formed prior to the impact event either generated in an earlier planetesimal scale impact event or in the nebula.     

Mineralogy and chemistry of Rumuruti: The first meteorite fall of the new R chondrite group

Abstract— The Rumuruti meteorite shower fell in Rumuruti, Kenya, on 1934 January 28 at 10:43 p.m. Rumuruti is an olivine-rich chondritic breccia with light-dark structure. Based on the coexistence of highly recrystallized fragments and unequilibrated components, Rumuruti is classified as a type 3–6 chondrite breccia. The most abundant phase of Rumuruti is olivine (mostly Fa_～39) with about 70 vol%. Feldspar (～14 vol%; mainly plagioclase), Ca-pyroxene (5 vol%), pyrrhotite (4.4 vol%), and pentlandite (3.6 vol%) are major constituents. All other phases have abundances below 1 vol%, including low-Ca pyroxene, chrome spinels, phosphates (chlorapatite and whitlockite), chalcopyrite, ilmenite, tridymite, Ni-rich and Ge-containing metals, kamacite, and various particles enriched in noble metals like Pt, Ir, arid Au. The chemical composition of Rumuruti is chondritic. The depletion in refractory elements (Sc, REE, etc.) and the comparatively high Mn, Na, and K contents are characteristic of ordinary chondrites and distinguish Rumuruti from carbonaceous chondrites. However, S, Se, and Zn contents in Rumuruti are significantly above the level expected for ordinary chondrites. The oxygen isotope composition of Rumuruti is high in δ¹⁷O (5.52 ‰) and δ¹⁸O (5.07 ‰). Previously, a small number of chondritic meteorites with strong similarities to Rumuruti were described. They were called Carlisle Lakes-type chondrites and they comprise: Carlisle Lakes, ALH85151, Y-75302, Y-793575, Y-82002, Acfer 217, PCA91002, and PCA91241, as well as clasts in the Weatherford chondrite. All these meteorites are finds from hot and cold deserts having experienced various degrees of weathering. With Rumuruti, the first meteorite fall has been recognized that preserves the primary mineralogical and chemical characteristics of a new group of meteorites. Comparing all chondrites, the characteristic features can be summarized as follows: (a) basically chondritic chemistry with ordinary chondrite element patterns of refractory and moderately volatile lithophiles but higher abundances of S, Se, and Zn; (b) high degree of oxidation (37–41 mol% Fa in olivine, only traces of Fe, Ni-metals, occurrence of chalcopyrite); (c) exceptionally high Δ¹⁷O values of about 2.7 for bulk samples; (d) high modal abundance of olivine (～70 vol%); (e) Ti-Fe³⁺?rich chromite (～5.5 wt% TiO₂); (f) occurrence of various noble metal-rich particles; (g) abundant chondritic breccias consisting of equilibrated clasts and unequilibrated lithologies. With Rumuruti, nine meteorite samples exist that are chemically and mineralogically very similar. These meteorites are attributed to at least eight different fall events. It is proposed in this paper to call this group R chondrites (rumurutiites) after the first and only fall among these meteorites. These meteorites have a close relationship to ordinary chondrites. However, they are more oxidized than any of the existing groups of ordinary chondrites. Small, but significant differences in chemical composition and in oxygen isotopes between R chondrites and ordinary chondrites exclude formation of R chondrites from ordinary chondrites by oxidation. This implies a separate, independent R chondrite parent body.     

Mineralogical composition of (25143) Itokawa 1998 SF36 from visible and near‐infrared reflectance spectroscopy: Evidence for partial melting

Abstract— –In March 2001, asteroid (25143) Itokawa, the target of the Japanese Hayabusa spacecraft mission, was in a favorable viewing geometry for ground‐based telescopic study. Visible/near‐infrared (VNIR) spectra (～～0.48 to 0.9 μm) obtained on March 24, 26, and 27 UT, and near‐infrared (NIR) spectra (～～0.75 to 2.5 μm) obtained on March 10, 11, 12, 23, and 24 UT collectively show absorption features centered near 1.0 and 2.0 μm, which are indicative of olivine and pyroxene. Analyses of these absorption features indicate an abundance ratio of olivine to pyroxene of approximately 75:25 ± 5, respectively, with no significant variation in the relative abundance of these minerals across its surface on a regional scale. The band center positions indicate that the mean pyroxene chemistry is ～～Wo_{14 ± 5}Fs_{43 ± 5}. There appear to be at least two pyroxene components: primarily a low‐Ca orthopyroxene accompanied by a spectrally significant (～～15–20%) high Fe‐rich pigeonite phase. The mean pyroxene composition is significantly more Fe‐rich than the Fs_14–26 range found in ordinary chondrites. These pyroxene compositions are suggestive of phases crystallized from partial melts. This would indicate that the parent body of (25143) Itokawa reached temperatures sufficient to initiate partial melting (～～1050 to 1250 °C), but that it did not attain the degree of melting required for significant melt mobilization and efficient segregation of the basaltic melt component from the unmelted residual olivine portion. Itokawa's spectral band parameters place it near the S(III)/S(IV) boundary, but within the S(III) taxonomic field. In meteoritic nomenclature, Itokawa would be most analogous to an olivine‐rich primitive achondrite. Alternatively, if the high Fs value is not related to partial melting, then Itokawa could also represent a rare atypical LL chondrite, or a previously unsampled oxidized Fe‐rich chondritic‐like assemblage.     

ELEMENTAL COMPOSITIONS OF MAJOR SILICIC PHASES IN CHONDRULES OF UNEQUILIBRATED CHONDRITIC METEORITES

Elemental compositions of olivine, low-Ca pyroxene and mesostasis in chondrules from type-3 ordinary chondrites (OC), CV3, CO3, CM2 and EH3 chondrites were compiled in a search for mineral compositional differences among chondrules of different chondrite groups. Such differences are demonstrated. A few elements occur in silicic phases in amounts proportional to their bulk chondrule concentrations: e.g., Mn in OC chondrules, Ti in CV chondrules, Cr in EH chondrules. However, OC chondrules have higher bulk Cr than CM-CO chondrules, higher Cr in mesostasis, but lower Cr in olivine and low-Ca pyroxene. The higher oxidation state of OC chondrules implies that Cr is more likely to be trivalent, and thus, less likely to enter the olivine crystal structure and more likely to concentrate in pyroxene and mesostasis. CV and OC chondrules have similar high bulk Fe and mesostasis Fe, but OC chondrules have much more FeO in olivine and low-Ca pyroxene. The remaining Fe in CV chondrules is reduced and occurs as metal blebs in the mesostasis. Relative to OC chondrules, EH chondrules have lower bulk Ca, lower Ca in pyroxene and mesostasis, but higher (by a factor of 2) Ca in olivine. EH chondrules may have been incompletely melted, preserving relict refractory lithophile-rich olivine nuclei. OC chondrules are richer than EH chondrules in FeO; they have a lower melting temperature and may have been more completely melted during chondrule formation.     

A coordinated spectral, mineralogical, and compositional study of ordinary chondrites

Mineral compositions and abundances derived from visible/near-infrared (VIS/NIR or VNIR) spectra are used to classify asteroids, identify meteorite parent bodies, and understand the structure of the asteroid belt. Using a suite of 48 equilibrated (types 4-6) ordinary (H, L, and LL) chondrites containing orthopyroxene, clinopyroxene, and olivine, new relationships between spectra and mineralogy have been established. Contrary to previous suggestions, no meaningful correlation is observed between band parameters and cpx/(opx + cpx) ratios. We derive new calibrations for determining mineral abundances (ol/(ol + px)) and mafic silicate compositions (Fa in olivine, Fs in pyroxene) from VIS/NIR spectra. These calibrations confirm that band area ratio (BAR) is controlled by mineral abundances, while Band I center is controlled by mafic silicate compositions. Spectrally-derived mineralogical parameters correctly classify H, L and LL chondrites in ∼80% of cases, suggesting that these are robust relationships that can be applied to S(IV) asteroids with ordinary chondrites mineralogies. Comparison of asteroids and meteorites using these new mineralogical parameters has the advantage that H, L and LL chemical groups were originally defined on the basis of mafic silicate compositions.     

Korra Korrabes: A new,large H3 chondrite breccia from Namibia

Abstract— A new, large, ordinary chondrite has been recovered from near the strewn field of Gibeon iron meteorites in Namibia, and is designated Korra Korrabes, after the farm property on which the specimens were found in 1996–2000. A total of ～140 kg of related specimens were recovered, including a large stone of 22 kg, and hundreds of smaller objects between 2 g and several kilograms. Cut surfaces indicate that Korra Korrabes is a breccia, containing 10–20% of light grey‐brown clasts up to 3 cm across in a uniform, darker grey‐brown host that contains abundant round chondrules, and irregular grains of Fe‐Ni metal and troilite up to 1 cm across. The vast majority of the stone is unshocked, although some clasts show mild shock features (stage S2), and one chondrule fragment is moderately shocked (stage S3). Weathering grade varies between W1 and W2. Microprobe analyses indicate variable compositions of olivine (Fa_13.8–27.2, n = 152, percent mean deviation = 7.82%) and low‐Ca pyroxene (multiply twinned clinobronzite, Fs_8.4–27.8, n = 68). There is excellent preservation of magmatic textures and mineralogy within many chondrules, including normally zoned olivine (Fa_13.8–18.9) and low‐Ca pyroxene (Fs_0.2–20.9) phenocrysts, and abundant glass, some of whose compositions are unusually alkaline (Na₂O + K₂O = 13.6–16.3 wt%) and Ca‐deficient (CaO = 0‐0.75 wt%), seemingly out of magmatic equilibrium with associated clinoenstatite or high‐Al calcic clinopyroxene crystals. Textural and mineralogical features indicate that Korra Korrabes is an H3 chondrite breccia, which represents the largest and least equilibrated stony meteorite yet recovered from Namibia; it is now one of the four largest unequilibrated ordinary chondrites worldwide.     

Modal abundances of CAIs: Implications for bulk chondrite element abundances and fractionations

Abstract— Modal abundances of Ca,Al‐rich inclusions (CAIs) are poorly known and reported data scatter across large ranges. CAIs are Poisson distributed, and if only small areas (<1000 mm²) are studied, the data are probably not representative of the true CAI modal abundances, explaining their reported large scatter in a single chondrite group. We combine reported CAI modal abundances and our own set, and present a complete list of CAI modal abundances in carbonaceous chondrites. This includes (in area%): CV: 2.98, CM: 1.21, Acfer 094: 1.12, CO: 0.99, CK/CV (Ningqiang and Dar al Gani [DaG] 055): 0.77, CK: 0.2, CR: 0.12 and CB: 0.1. CAIs are Poisson distributed and if only small areas are studied, the data are probably not representative of the true CAI modal abundances, Carbonaceous chondrites have excess bulk Al concentrations when compared to the CI‐chondritic value. We find a correlation between this excess and CAI modal abundances and conclude that the excess Al was delivered by CAIs. The excess Al is only a minor fraction (usually ?10 rel%, but 25 rel% in case of CVs) of the bulk chondrite Al and cannot have contributed much ²⁶Al to heat the chondrite parent body. Ordinary, enstatite, R and K chondrites have an Al deficit relative to CI chondrites and only very low CAI modal abundances, if any are present at all. Carbonaceous chondrites also had an initial Al deficit if the contribution of Al delivered by CAIs is subtracted. Therefore all chondrites probably lost a refractory rich high‐T component. Only minor amounts of CAIs are present in the matrix or have been present in the chondrule precursor aggregates. Most CAI size distributions contain more than one size population, indicating that CAIs from within a single meteorite group had different origins.