The history of Allan Hills 84001 revised: Multiple shock events

Abstract— The geologic history of Martian meteorite Allan Hills (ALH) 84001 is more complex than previously recognized, with evidence for four or five crater-forming impacts onto Mars. This history of repeated deformation and shock metamorphism appears to weaken some arguments that have been offered for and against the hypothesis of ancient Martian life in ALH 84001. Allan Hills 84001 formed originally from basaltic magma. Its first impact event (I1) is inferred from the deformation (D1) that produced the granular-textured bands (“crush zones”) that transect the original igneous fabric. Deformation D1 is characterized by intense shear and may represent excavation or rebound flow of rock beneath a large impact crater. An intense thermal metamorphism followed D1 and may be related to it. The next impact (I2) produced fractures, (Fr2) in which carbonate “pancakes” were deposited and produced feldspathic glass from some of the igneous feldspars and silica. After I2, carbonate pancakes and globules were deposited in Fr2 fractures and replaced feldspathic glass and possibly crystalline silicates. Next, feldspars, feldspathic glass, and possibly some carbonates were mobilized and melted in the third impact (I3). Microfaulting, intense fracturing, and shear are also associated with I3. In the fourth impact (I4), the rock was fractured and deformed without significant heating, which permitted remnant magnetization directions to vary across fracture surfaces. Finally, ALH 84001 was ejected from Mars in event I5, which could be identical to I4. This history of multiple impacts is consistent with the photogeology of the Martian highlands and may help resolve some apparent contradictions among recent results on ALH 84001. For example, the submicron rounded magnetite grains in the carbonate globules could be contemporaneous with carbonate deposition, whereas the elongate magnetite grains, epitaxial on carbonates, could be ascribed to vapor-phase deposition during I3.     

Petrogenesis of Allan Hills 84001: Constraints from impact‐melted feldspathic and silica glasses

Abstract— Compositional and textural relationships of shock‐melted glasses in the Allan Hills (ALH) 84001 meteorite have been examined by optical microscopy, electron microprobe analysis, and compositional mapping. The feldspathic and silica glasses exhibit features which constrain the relative timing of shock events and carbonate deposition in ALH 84001. The feldspathic glasses are stoichiometric and have compositions plausibly described as forming from igneous plagioclase (An_27–39Ab_58–68Or_3–7) or sanidine (Or₅₁Ab₄₆An₃), or from a mixture of these phases (mixed‐feldspar glasses). These observations argue against prior interpretations of feldspathic glasses as unflowed maskelynite, hydrothermal precipitates or alteration products, or shock melts that have undergone alkali volatilization. Carbonate was deposited around previously formed mixed‐feldspar glass clasts, suggesting that carbonate deposition occurred after the shock event that formed the granular bands (crushed zones) in this meteorite. SiO₂‐rich glasses appear to be silica remobilized during shock, with little addition of other material. A petrogenetic history of ALH 84001 consistent with the observations of feldspathic and silica glasses is (1) igneous crystallization and cumulate formation; (2) a pre‐carbonate shock event that formed the granular bands (crushed zones) and sheared chromites, and melted igneous plagioclase and sanidine to form mixed‐feldspar glasses; (3) carbonate and silica deposition in the granular bands (veining of plagioclase glasses by SiO₂ and deposition of carbonate around mixed‐feldspar and plagioclase glass clasts); (4) a post‐carbonate shock event that resulted in invasion of carbonate by feldspathic melts, shock faulting and decarbonation of carbonate, high‐temperature mobilization of silica melts, and minor dissolution of orthopyroxene by silica melts.     

ALH84001, a cumulate orthopyroxenite member of the martian meteorite clan

Abstract— ALH84001, originally classified as a diogenite, is a coarse-grained, cataclastic, orthopyroxenite meteorite related to the martian (SNC) meteorites. The orthopyroxene is relatively uniform in composition, with a mean composition of Wo_3.3En_69.4Fs_27.3. Minor phases are euhedral to subhedral chromite and interstitial maskelynite, An_31.1Ab_63.2Or_5.7, with accessory augite, Wo_42.2En_45.1Fs_12.7, apatite, pyrite and carbonates, Cc_11.5Mg_58.0Sd_29.4Rd_1.1. The pyroxenes and chromites in ALH84001 are similar in composition to these phases in EETA79001 lithology A megacrysts but are more homogeneous. Maskelynite is similar in composition to feldspars in the nakhlites and Chassigny. Two generations of carbonates are present, early (pre-shock) strongly zoned carbonates and late (post-shock) carbonates. The high Ca content of both types of carbonates indicates that they were formed at moderately high temperature, possibly ～700 °C. ALH84001 has a slightly LREE-depleted pattern with La 0.67x and Lu 1.85x CI abundances and with a negative Eu anomaly (Eu/Sm 0.56x CI). The uniform pyroxene composition is unusual for martian meteorites, and suggests that ALH84001 cooled more slowly than did the shergottites, nakhlites or Chassigny. The nearly monomineralic composition, coarse-grain size, homogenous orthopyroxene and chromite compositions, the interstitial maskelynite and apatite, and the REE pattern suggest that ALH84001 is a cumulate orthopyroxenite containing minor trapped, intercumulus material.     

Ion microprobe U‐Th‐Pb dating of phosphates in martian meteorite ALH 84001

Abstract— Phosphates in martian meteorites are important carriers of trace elements, although, they are volumetrically minor minerals. PO₄ also has potential as a biomarker for life on Mars. Here, we report measurements of the U‐Th‐Pb systematics of phosphates in the martian meteorite ALH 84001 using the Sensitive High Resolution Ion MicroProbe (SHRIMP) installed at Hiroshima University, Japan. Eleven analyses of whitlockites and 1 analysis of apatite resulted in a total Pb/U isochron age of 4018 ± 81 Ma in the ²³⁸U/²⁰⁶Pb‐²⁰⁷Pb/²⁰⁶Pb‐²⁰⁴Pb/²⁰⁶ Pb 3‐D space, and a ²³²Th‐²⁰⁸Pb age of 3971 ± 860 Ma. These ages are consistent within a 95% confidence limit. This result is in agreement with the previously published Ar‐Ar shock age of 4.0 ± 0.1 Ga from maskelynite and other results of 3.8–4.3 Ga but are significantly different from the Sm‐Nd age of 4.50 ± 0.13 Ga based on the whole rock and pyroxene. Taking into account recent studies on textural and chemical evidence of phosphate, our result suggests that the shock metamorphic event defines the phosphate formation age of 4018 ± 81 Ma, and that since then, ALH 84001 has not experienced a long duration thermal metamorphism, which would reset the U‐Pb system in phosphates.     

Comprehensive imaging and Raman spectroscopy of carbonate globules from Martian meteorite ALH 84001 and a terrestrial analogue from Svalbard

Abstract— We report a comprehensive imaging study including confocal microRaman spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and 3‐D extended focal imaging light microscopy of carbonate globules throughout a depth profile of the Martian meteorite Allan Hills (ALH) 84001 and similar objects in mantle peridotite xenoliths from the Bockfjorden volcanic complex (BVC), Svalbard. Carbonate and iron oxide zoning in ALH 84001 is similar to that seen in BVC globules. Hematite appears to be present in all ALH 84001 carbonate‐bearing assemblages except within a magnesite outer rim found in some globules. Macromolecular carbon (MMC) was found in intimate association with magnetite in both ALH 84001 and BVC carbonates. The MMC synthesis mechanism appears similar to established reactions within the Fe‐C‐O system. By inference to a terrestrial analogue of mantle origin (BVC), these results appear to represent the first measurements of the products of an abiotic MMC synthesis mechanism in Martian samples. Furthermore, the ubiquitous but heterogeneous distribution of hematite throughout carbonate globules in ALH 84001 may be partly responsible for some of the wide range in measured oxygen isotopes reported in previous studies. Using BVC carbonates as a suitable analogue, we postulate that a low temperature hydrothermal model of ALH 84001 globule formation is most likely, although alteration (decarbonation) of a subset of globules possibly occurred during a later impact event.     

An experimental study on kinetically‐driven precipitation of calcium‐magnesium‐iron carbonates from solution: Implications for the low‐temperature formation of carbonates in martian meteorite Allan Hills 84001

Abstract— Spherical carbonate globules of similar composition, size, and radial Ca‐, Mg‐, and Fe‐zonation to those in martian meteorite Allan Hills (ALH) 84001 were precipitated from Mg‐rich, supersaturated solutions of Ca‐Mg‐Fe‐CO₂‐H₂O at 150 °C. The supersaturated solutions (pH ? 6–7) were prepared at room temperature and contained in Teflon^TM‐lined stainless steel vessels, which were sealed and heated to 150 °C for 24 h. Experiments were also conducted at 25 °C and no globules comparable to those of ALH 84001 were precipitated. Instead, amorphous Fe‐rich carbonates were formed after 24 h and Mg‐Fe calcites formed after 96 h. These experiments suggest a possible low‐temperature inorganic origin for the carbonates in martian meteorite ALH 84001.     

Ferroan olivine-bearing eucrite clasts found in howardites

We investigated several olivine-bearing, medium-grained, ophitic to subophitic eucritic clasts from three different Antarctic howardites. Based on grain size (0.5–2 mm), these clasts could represent intrusive igneous units. Based on mineral composition (pyroxene and plagioclase), they are similar to basaltic eucrites. Elemental concentrations of the major silicates and bulk mg#, however, range from those known for basaltic eucrites to those found in cumulate eucrites. Recognizable cumulus phases are absent. Conservatively speaking, the clasts examined may simply classify as relatively coarse-grained unequilibrated basaltic eucrites. Alternatively, at least one of the clasts showing intermediate grain size and a relatively primitive chemical composition (mg# 50) may sample a rock type that could be genetically placed between the basaltic and cumulate eucrite lines of origin. A minor, yet genetically meaningful common feature of the clasts studied is the occurrence of fayalitic olivine. Two distinct categories exist. They are (1) fine veinlets exclusively percolating through pyroxene and (2) more substantial (up to 100 μm wide) veins and/or interstitial deposits. Only the fine veinlets also contain variable amounts of anorthite, ilmenite, and troilite. Although both types of olivine are ferroan, textural aspects suggest distinct paths of generation. The fine veinlets are best explained by decomposition of relatively FeO-rich, heterogeneous, and locally metastable pyroxene, caused in situ by impact heating and subsequent fast cooling. The wider, often very ragged-looking monomineralic olivine fillings, on the other hand, may represent the iron-enriched portion of a highly fractionated magma.     

What we have learned about Mars from SNC meteorites

Abstract— The SNC meteorites are thought to be igneous martian rocks, based on their young crystallization ages and a close match between the composition of gases implanted in them during shock and the atmosphere of Mars. A related meteorite, ALH84001, may be older and thus may represent ancient martian crust. These petrologically diverse basalts and ultramafic rocks are mostly cumulates, but their parent magmas share geochemical and radiogenic isotopic characteristics that suggest they may have formed by remelting the same mantle source region at different times. Information and inferences about martian geology drawn from these samples include the following: Planetary differentiation occurred early at ～4.5 Ga, probably concurrently with accretion. The martian mantle contains different abundances of moderately volatile and siderophile elements and is more Fe-rich than that of the Earth, which has implications for its mineralogy, density, and origin. The estimated core composition has a S abundance near the threshold value for inner core solidification. The former presence of a core dynamo may be suggested by remanent magnetization in SNC meteorites, although these rocks may have been magnetized during shock. The mineralogy of martian surface units, inferred from reflectance spectra, matches that of basaltic shergottites, but SNC lithologies thought to have crystallized in the subsurface are not presently recognized. The rheological properties of martian magmas are more accurately derived from these meteorites than from observations of martian flow morphology, although the sampled range of magma compositions is limited. Estimates of planetary water abundance and the amount of outgassed water based on these meteorites are contradictory but overlap estimates based on geological observations and atmospheric measurements. Stable isotope measurements indicate that the martian hydrosphere experienced only limited exchange with the lithosphere, but it is in isotopic equilibrium with the atmosphere and has been since 1.3 Ga. The isotopically heavy atmosphere/hydrosphere composition deduced from these rocks reflects a loss process more severe than current atmospheric evolution models, and the occurrence of carbonates in SNC meteorites suggests that they, rather than scapolite or hydrous carbonates, are the major crustal sink for CO₂. Weathering products in SNC meteorites support the idea of limited alteration of the lithosphere by small volumes of saline, CO₂-bearing water. Atmospheric composition and evolution are further constrained by noble gases in these meteorites, although Xe and Kr isotopes suggest different origins for the atmosphere. Planetary ejection of these rocks has promoted an advance in the understanding of impact physics, which has been accomplished by a model involving spallation during large cratering events. Ejection of all the SNC meteorites (except ALH84001) in one or two events may provide a plausible solution to most constraints imposed by chronology, geochemistry, and cosmic ray exposure, although problems remain with this scenario; ALH84001 may represent older martian crust sampled during a separate impact.     

The igneous crystallization history of an ancient Martian meteorite from rare earth element microdistributions

Abstract— Rare earth element (REE) and other selected trace and minor element concentrations were measured in individual grains of orthopyroxene, feldspathic glass (of plagioclase composition) and merrillite of the ALH 84001 Martian meteorite. Unlike in other Martian meteorites, phosphate is not the main REE carrier in ALH 84001. The REE pattern of ALH 84001 bulk rock is dependent on the modal abundances of three REE-bearing phases, namely, orthopyroxene, which contains most of the heavy rare earth elements (HREEs); feldspathic glass, which dominates the Eu abundances; and merrillite, which contains the majority of the light rare earth elements (LREEs). Variations in the REE abundances previously observed in different splits of ALH 84001 can easily be explained in terms of small variations in the modal abundances of these three minerals without the need to invoke extensive redistribution of LREEs. At least some orthopyroxenes (i.e., those away from contacts with feldspathic glass) in ALH 84001 appear to have preserved their original REE zonation from igneous fractionation. An estimate of the ALH 84001 parent magma composition from that of the unaltered orthopyroxene “core” (i.e., zoned orthopyroxene with the lowest REE abundances) indicates that it is LREE depleted. This implies that the Martian mantle was already partly depleted within ～100 Ma of solar system formation, which is consistent with rapid accretion and differentiation of Mars. Although equilibration and exchange of REEs between phases (in particular, transport of LREEs into the interstitial phases, feldspathic glass and merrillite) cannot be ruled out, our data suggest that the LREE enrichment in melts “in equilibrium” with these interstitial phases is most likely the result of late-stage infiltration of the cumulate pile by a LREE-enriched melt.     

Petrogenesis of the EET 92023 achondrite and implications for early impact events

We report petrology and geochemistry of an achondrite EET 92023 and compare it with normal and anomalous eucrites. EET 92023 is an unbrecciated achondrite and shows a granular texture mainly composed of low‐Ca pyroxene and plagioclase, petrologically similar to normal cumulate eucrites such as Moore County. However, this rock contains a significant amount of kamacite and taenite not common in unbrecciated, crystalline eucrites. EET 92023 contains a significant amount of platinum group elements (PGEs) (ca. 10% of CI), several orders of magnitude higher than those of monomict eucrites. We suggest that the metallic phases carrying PGEs were incorporated by a projectile during or before igneous crystallization and thermal metamorphism. The projectile was likely to be an iron meteorite rather than chondritic materials, as indicated by the lack of olivine and the presence of free silica. Therefore, the oxygen isotopic signature is indigenous, rather than due to contamination of the projectile material with different oxygen isotopic compositions. A significant thermal event involving partial melting and metamorphism after the impact event indicates that EET 92023 records early impact events which took place shortly after the crust formation on a differentiated protoplanet when the crust was still hot.     

Localized shock melting in lherzolitic shergottite Northwest Africa 1950: Comparison with Allan Hills 77005

Abstract— The lherzolitic Martian meteorite Northwest Africa (NWA) 1950 consists of two distinct zones: 1) low‐Ca pyroxene poikilically enclosing cumulate olivine (Fo_70–75) and chromite, and 2) areas interstitial to the oikocrysts comprised of maskelynite, low‐ and high‐Ca pyroxene, cumulate olivine (Fo_68–71) and chromite. Shock metamorphic effects, most likely associated with ejection from the Martian subsurface by large‐scale impact, include mechanical deformation of host rock olivine and pyroxene, transformation of plagioclase to maskelynite, and localized melting (pockets and veins). These shock effects indicate that NWA 1950 experienced an equilibration shock pressure of 35–45 GPa. Large (millimeter‐size) melt pockets have crystallized magnesian olivine (Fo_78–87) and chromite, embedded in an Fe‐rich, Al‐poor basaltic to picro‐basaltic glass. Within the melt pockets strong thermal gradients (minimum 1 °C/μm) existed at the onset of crystallization, giving rise to a heterogeneous distribution of nucleation sites, resulting in gradational textures of olivine and chromite. Dendritic and skeletal olivine, crystallized in the melt pocket center, has a nucleation density (1.0 × 10³ crystals/mm²) that is two orders of magnitude lower than olivine euhedra near the melt margin (1.6 × 10⁵ crystals/mm²). Based on petrography and minor element abundances, melt pocket formation occurred by in situ melting of host rock constituents by shock, as opposed to melt injected into the lherzolitic target. Despite a common origin, NWA 1950 is shocked to a lesser extent compared to Allan Hills (ALH) 77005 (45–55 GPa). Assuming ejection in a single shock event by spallation, this places NWA 1950 near to ALH 77005, but at a shallower depth within the Martian subsurface. Extensive shock melt networks, the interconnectivity between melt pockets, and the ubiquitous presence of highly vesiculated plagioclase glass in ALH 77005 suggests that this meteorite may be transitional between discreet shock melting and bulk rock melting.     

Complex origins of silicate veinlets in HED meteorites: A case study of Northwest Africa 1109

We report on the petrography and mineralogy of three types of silicate veinlets in the brecciated eucrite Northwest Africa (NWA) 1109. These include Fe‐rich olivine, Mg‐rich olivine, and pyroxene veinlets. The Fe‐rich olivine veinlets mainly infill fractures in pyroxene and also occur along grain boundaries between pyroxene and plagioclase crystals, in both nonequilibrated and equilibrated lithic clasts. The host pyroxene of Fe‐rich olivine veinlets shows large chemical variations between and within grains. The Fe‐rich olivine veinlets also contain fine‐grained Fe³⁺‐bearing chromite, highly calcic plagioclase, merrillite, apatite, and troilite. Based on texture and mineral chemistry, we argue that the formation of Fe‐rich olivine was related to fluid deposition at relatively high temperatures. However, the source of Fe‐rich olivine in the veinlets remains unclear. Magnesium‐rich olivine veinlets were found in three diogenitic lithic clasts. In one of these, the Mg‐rich olivine veinlets only occur in one of the fine‐grained interstitial regions and extend into fractures within surrounding coarse‐grained orthopyroxene. Based on the texture of the interstitial materials, we suggest that the Mg‐rich olivine veinlets formed by shock‐induced localized melting and recrystallization. Pyroxene veinlets were only observed in one clast where they infill fractures within large plagioclase grains and are associated with fine‐grained pyroxene surrounding coarse‐grained pyroxene. The large chemical variations in pyroxene and the fracture‐filling texture indicate that the pyroxene veinlets might also have formed by shock‐induced localized melting and rapid crystallization. Our study demonstrates that silicate veinlets formed by a range of different surface processes on the surface of Vesta.     

Impact melting of lunar meteorite Dhofar 458: Evidence from polycrystalline texture and decomposition of zircon

Abstract– Dhofar 458 is a lunar meteorite consisting mainly of olivine‐plagioclase intergrowths, pyroxene‐plagioclase intergrowths, and plagioclase fragments. Pyroxene‐plagioclase globules are also common. In this study, we report the discovery of a polycrystalline zircon in this lunar meteorite. The polycrystalline zircon contains small vesicles and rounded baddeleyite grains at its margin. The polycrystalline and porous texture of the zircon indicates high‐pressure shock‐induced melting and degassing. Baddeleyite grains are derived from decomposition of zircon under high postshock temperature. The shock features in zircon indicates that the shock pressure in Dhofar 458 was greater than approximately 60 GPa and the postshock temperature greater than approximately 1700 °C. The polycrystalline and degassing texture and decomposition zircon also strongly indicates that Dhofar 458 is a clast‐rich impact melt rock. During this shock event, most components were melted and grains of mafic minerals are interstitial to lath‐like plagioclase grains. Large fragments of olivine and chromite also formed polycrystalline texture at margins and chemically reequilibrated with surrounding melts. We suggest that pyroxene‐plagioclase globules could be remains of melted target clasts, whereas vesicles may form during shock‐induced degassing of the rock. The U‐Pb isotopic data plot on a well‐defined discordant line, yielding the age of the zircon of 3434 ± 15 Ma (2σ). This age is interpreted as the time of the impact event that melted Dhofar 458 and caused decomposition and recrystallization of this zircon in Dhofar 458, which reset this zircon’s U‐Pb age.     

Mineralogy,petrology, and shock history of lunar meteorite Sayh al Uhaymir 300: A crystalline impact‐melt breccia

Abstract— Sayh al Uhaymir (SaU) 300 comprises a microcrystalline igneous matrix (grain size <10 μm), dominated by plagioclase, pyroxene, and olivine. Pyroxene geothermometry indicates that the matrix crystallized at ?1100 °C. The matrix encloses mineral and lithic clasts that record the effects of variable levels of shock. Mineral clasts include plagioclase, low‐ and high‐Ca pyroxene, pigeonite, and olivine. Minor amounts of ilmenite, FeNi metal, chromite, and a silica phase are also present. A variety of lithic clast types are observed, including glassy impact melts, impact‐melt breccias, and metamorphosed impact melts. One clast of granulitic breccia was also noted. A lunar origin for SaU 300 is supported by the composition of the plagioclase (average An₉₅), the high Cr content in olivine, the lack of hydrous phases, and the Fe/Mn ratio of mafic minerals. Both matrix and clasts have been locally overprinted by shock veins and melt pockets. SaU 300 has previously been described as an anorthositic regolith breccia with basaltic components and a granulitic matrix, but we here interpret it to be a polymict crystalline impact‐melt breccia with an olivine‐rich anorthositic norite bulk composition. The varying shock states of the mineral and lithic clasts suggest that they were shocked to between 5–28 GPa (shock stages S1–S2) by impact events in target rocks prior to their inclusion in the matrix. Formation of the igneous matrix requires a minimum shock pressure of 60 GPa (shock stage >S4). The association of maskelynite with melt pockets and shock veins indicates a subsequent, local 28–45 GPa (shock stage S2–S3) excursion, which was probably responsible for lofting the sample from the lunar surface. Subsequent fracturing is attributed to atmospheric entry and probable breakup of the parent meteor.     

Launch of martian meteorites in oblique impacts

A high-velocity oblique impact into the martian surface accelerates solid target material to escape velocity. A fraction of that material eventually falls as meteorites on Earth. For a long time they were called the SNC meteorites (Shergotty, Nakhla, and Chassigny). We study production of potential martian meteorites numerically within the frame of 3D hydrodynamic modeling. The ratio of the volume of escaping solid ejecta to projectile volume depends on the impact angle, impact velocity and the volatile content in the projectile and in the target. The size distribution of ejected fragments appears to be of crucial importance for the atmosphere-ejecta interaction in the case of a relatively small impact (with final crater size <3 km): 10-cm-sized particles are decelerated efficiently, while 30-50% of larger fragments could escape Mars. The results of numerical modeling are compared with shock metamorphic features in martian meteorites, their burial depth, and preatmospheric mass. Although it is impossible to accelerate ejected fragments to escape velocity without substantial compression (above 10 GPa), the maximum temperature increase in dunite (Chassigny) or ortopyroxenite (ALH84001) may be lower than 200 degree. This result is consistent with the observed chaotic magnetization of ALH84001. The probability of microbes' survival may be rather high even for the extreme conditions during the ejection process.     

Spade: An H chondrite impact‐melt breccia that experienced post‐shock annealing

Abstract— The low modal abundances of relict chondrules (1.8 vol%) and of coarse (i.e., ≥200 μm‐size) isolated mafic silicate grains (1.8 vol%) in Spade relative to mean H6 chondrites (11.4 and 9.8 vol%, respectively) show Spade to be a rock that has experienced a significant degree of melting. Various petrographic features (e.g., chromite‐plagioclase assemblages, chromite veinlets, silicate darkening) indicate that melting was caused by shock. Plagioclase was melted during the shock event and flowed so that it partially to completely surrounded nearby mafic silicate grains. During crystallization, plagioclase developed igneous zoning. Low‐Ca pyroxene that crystallized from the melt (or equilibrated with the melt at high temperatures) acquired relatively high amounts of CaO. Metallic Fe‐Ni cooled rapidly below the Fe‐Ni solvus and transformed into martensite. Subsequent reheating of the rock caused transformation of martensite into abundant duplex plessite. Ambiguities exist in the shock stage assignment of Spade. The extensive silicate darkening, the occurrence of chromite‐plagioclase assemblages, and the impact‐melted characteristics of Spade are consistent with shock stage S6. Low shock (stage S2) is indicated by the undulose extinction and lack of planar fractures in olivine. This suggests that Spade reached a maximum prior shock level equivalent to stage S6 and then experienced post‐shock annealing (probably to stage S1). These events were followed by a less intense impact that produced the undulose extinction in the olivine, characteristic of shock stage S2. Annealing could have occurred if Spade were emplaced near impact melts beneath the crater floor or deposited in close proximity to hot debris within an ejecta blanket. Spade firmly establishes the case for post‐shock annealing. This may have been a common process on OC asteroids.     

Siderophile trace elements in ALH84001, other SNC meteorites and eucrites: Evidence of heterogeneity,possibly time-linked,in the mantle of Mars

Abstract— We report neutron activation analyses, including radiochemical determination of trace siderophile elements (Au, Ge, Ir, Ni, Os and Re), for three SNC/martian meteorites, and Os and Re results for numerous eucrites. Ratios such as Ga/Al in the SNC orthopyroxenite ALH84001 confirm its martian affinity—its many distinctive characteristics, most notably its near-primordial age, notwithstanding. To the list of ALH84001's idiosyncrasies can now be added extraordinarily low concentrations of Au, Ni and, especially, Re (17 pg/g), for a martian meteorite. We consider several possible origins for the anomalously low Re content in ALH84001, including metasomatism or alteration. The pyroxene-cumulate nature of this rock probably does not account for its low Re content. Other SNC meteorites are also cumulates. An examination of Re-Nd variations among terrestrial basalts and komatiites suggests that Re is compatible with mantle minerals in general and only incompatible with olivine (however, olivine dominates the mantle residuum, especially during komatiite genesis). Our preferred model is that the ALH84001 parent melt formed in a mantle source region that was far more Re-depleted, and/or at a substantially lower oxygen fugacity, than the sources of the young SNC meteorites. Such a contrast is consistent with models that replenish siderophile elements in planetary mantles by gradual admixture of late-accreting matter and similarly derive most planetary water (which serves as an oxidant) very late in accretion. According to this model, ALH84001 formed before the siderophile-rich matter and water had been mixed well into the martian interior. Possibly the martian mantle never became generally as Re-rich and/or oxidized as the source region(s) of the younger SNCs.     

Experimental shock decomposition of siderite and the origin of magnetite in Martian meteorite ALH 84001

Abstract Shock recovery experiments to determine whether magnetite could be produced by the decomposition of iron‐carbonate were initiated. Naturally occurring siderite was first characterized by a variety of techniques to be sure that the starting material did not contain detectable magnetite. Samples were shocked in tungsten‐alloy holders (W = 90%, Ni = 6%, Cu = 4%) to further ensure that any iron phases in the shock products were contributed by the siderite rather than the sample holder. Each sample was shocked to a specific pressure between 30 to 49 GPa. Transformation of siderite to magnetite as characterized by TEM was found in the 49 GPa shock experiment. Compositions of most magnetites are >50% Fe⁺² in the octahedral site of the inverse spinel structure. Magnetites produced in shock experiments display the same range of sizes (?50–100 nm), compositions (100% magnetite to 80% magnetite‐20% magnesioferrite), and morphologies (equant, elongated, euhedral to subhedral) as magnetites synthesized by Golden et al. (2001) and as the magnetites in Martian meteorite Allan Hills (ALH) 84001. Fritz et al. (2005) previously concluded that ALH 84001 experienced ?32 GPa pressure and a resultant thermal pulse of ?100–110°C. However, ALH 84001 contains evidence of local temperature excursions high enough to melt feldspar, pyroxene, and a silica‐rich phase. This 49 GPa experiment demonstrates that magnetite can be produced by the shock decomposition of siderite as a result of local heating to > 470°C. Therefore, magnetite in the rims of carbonates in Martian meteorite ALH 84001 could be a product of shock devolatilization of siderite as well.     

Northwest Africa 1950: Mineralogy and comparison with Antarctic lherzolitic shergottites

Abstract— NWA 1950 is a new lherzolitic shergottite recently recovered from Morocco and is the first sample of this group found outside Antarctica. Major constituent phases of NWA 1950 are olivine, pyroxenes, and plagioclase glass (“maskelynite”) and the rock shows a two distinct textures: poikilitic and non‐poikilitic typical of lherzolitic shergottites. In poikilitic areas, several‐millimeter‐sized pyroxene oikocrysts enclose cumulus olivine and chromite. In contrast, pyroxenes are much smaller in non‐poikilitic areas, and olivine and plagioclase glass are more abundant. Olivine in non‐poikilitic areas is more Fe‐rich (Fa_29–31) and shows a narrower distribution than that in poikilitic areas (Fa_23–29). Pyroxenes in non‐poikilitic areas are also more Fe‐rich than those in poikilitic areas that show continuous chemical zoning suggesting fractional crystallization under a closed system. These observations indicate that pyroxene in non‐poikilitic areas crystallized from evolved interstitial melts and olivine was re‐equilibrated with such melts. NWA 1950 shows similar mineralogy and petrology to previously known lherzolitic shergottites (ALH 77005, LEW 88516, Y‐793605 and GRV 99027) that are considered to have originated from the same igneous body on Mars. Olivine composition of NWA 1950 is intermediate between those of ALH 77005‐GRV 99027 and those of LEW 88516‐Y‐793605, but is rather similar to ALH 77005 and GRV 99027. The subtle difference of mineral chemistry (especially, olivine composition) can be explained by different degrees of re‐equilibration compared to other lherzolitic shergottites, perhaps due to different location in the same igneous body. Thus, NWA 1950 experienced a high degree of re‐equilibration, similar to ALH 77005 and GRV 99027.     

Spectroscopic analysis of Martian meteorite Allan Hills 84001 powder and applications for spectral identification of minerals and other soil components on Mars

Abstract— Spectroscopic measurement and analysis of Martian meteorites provide important information about the mineralogy of Mars, as well as necessary ground-truths for deconvolving remote sensing spectra of the Martian surface rocks. The spectroscopic properties of particulate ALH 84001 from 0.3 to 25 μm correctly identify low-Ca pyroxene as the dominant mineralogy. Absorption bands due to electronic transitions of ferrous iron are observed at 0.94 and 1.97 μm that are typical for low-Ca pyroxene. A strong, broad water band is observed near 3 μm that is characteristic of the water band typically associated with pyroxenes. Weaker features near 4.8, 5.2 and 6.2 μm are characteristic of particulate low-Ca pyroxene and can be distinguished readily from the features due to high-Ca pyroxene and other silicate minerals. The reflectance minimum occurs near 8.6 μm for the ALH 84001 powder, which is more consistent with high-Ca pyroxene and augite than low-Ca pyroxene. The dominant mid-infrared (IR) spectral features for the ALH 84001 powder are observed near 9 and 19.5 μm; however, there are multiple features in this region. These mid-IR features are generally characteristic of low-Ca pyroxene but cannot be explained by low-Ca pyroxene alone. Spectral features from 2.5–5 μm are typically associated with water, organics and carbonates and have been studied in spectra of the ALH 84001, split 92 powder and ALH 84001, splits 92 and 271 chip surfaces. Weak features have been identified near 3.5 and 4 μm that are assigned to organic material and carbonates. Another feature is observed at 4.27 μm in many surface spots and in the powder but has not yet been uniquely identified. Spectroscopic identification of minor organic and carbonate components in this probable piece of Mars suggests that detection of small amounts of organics and carbonates in the Martian surface regolith would also be possible using visible-infrared hyperspectral analyses. Laboratory spectroscopic analysis of Martian meteorites provides a unique opportunity to identify the spectral features of minerals and other components while they are embedded in their natural medium.