Sulfide petrology of four nakhlites: Northwest Africa 817, Northwest Africa 998, Nakhla,and Governador Valadares

Abstract– The nakhlites contain small proportions of Cu‐Fe‐Ni sulfide minerals; we have studied these sulfides in Northwest Africa (NWA) 998, Nakhla, Governador Valadares, and NWA 817 with optical microscopy, scanning electron microscope, and electron microprobe. Modal abundances of magmatic sulfides, as estimated by image analysis on thin section, are uniformly low (0.02 to 0.05 ± 0.03 vol%), i.e., a factor 5 lower than in shergottites. Sulfides occur within the glassy mesostasis, as composite two‐phase Fe‐Ti oxide‐sulfide grains, intimately associated with interstitial grains or locally enclosed in postcumulus melt inclusions (e.g., Governador Valadares) in olivine. They exhibit a uniform low‐Ni monoclinic pyrrhotite composition ± chalcopyrite. There is a gradation of sulfide grain sizes and textures across the nakhlites flow(s): droplets in NWA 817; resorbed blebs in Governador Valadares; more massive, true intercumulus blebs in Nakhla and NWA 998. These nakhlites also show evidence for sulfide weathering. Hot desert finds (e.g., NWA 998 and NWA 817) show a few percent fracture‐filling iron (oxy) hydroxides of likely terrestrial origin. Original sulfides are 50% altered in our NWA 998 section, with iron (oxy) hydroxides at grain boundaries and as complete pseudomorphs. The compositions of unaltered pyrrhotites are homogeneous, close to that of the monoclinic endmember Fe₇S₈, and are too sulfur‐rich to have been in chemical equilibrium with the late magmatic redox state fixed by the fayalite‐magnetite‐quartz buffer. Therefore, the compositions of the pyrrhotites must have been altered during the later stages of magmatic crystallization, by assimilation of S‐rich regolith and hydrothermal circulation.     

Geochemistry of intermediate olivine‐phyric shergottite Northwest Africa 6234, with similarities to basaltic shergottite Northwest Africa 480 and olivine‐phyric shergottite Northwest Africa 2990

Abstract— The newly found meteorite Northwest Africa 6234 (NWA 6234) is an olivine (ol)‐phyric shergottite that is thought, based on texture and mineralogy, to be paired with Martian shergottite meteorites NWA 2990, 5960, and 6710. We report bulk‐rock major‐ and trace‐element abundances (including Li), abundances of highly siderophile elements, Re‐Os isotope systematics, oxygen isotope ratios, and the lithium isotope ratio for NWA 6234. NWA 6234 is classified as a Martian shergottite, based on its oxygen isotope ratios, bulk composition, and bulk element abundance ratios, Fe/Mn, Al/Ti, and Na/Al. The Li concentration and δ⁷Li value of NWA 6234 are similar to that of basaltic shergottites Zagami and Shergotty. The rare earth element (REE) pattern for NWA 6234 shows a depletion in the light REE (La‐Nd) compared with the heavy REE (Sm‐Lu), but not as extreme as the known “depleted” shergottites. Thus, NWA 6234 is suggested to belong to a new category of shergottite that is geochemically “intermediate” in incompatible elements. The only other basaltic or ol‐phyric shergottite with a similar “intermediate” character is the basaltic shergottite NWA 480. Rhenium‐osmium isotope systematics are consistent with this intermediate character, assuming a crystallization age of 180 Ma. We conclude that NWA 6234 represents an intermediate compositional group between enriched and depleted shergottites and offers new insights into the nature of mantle differentiation and mixing among mantle reservoirs in Mars.     

A new Martian meteorite from Oman: Mineralogy,petrology, and shock metamorphism of olivine‐phyric basaltic shergottite Sayh al Uhaymir 150

Abstract— The Sayh al Uhaymir (SaU) 150 meteorite was found on a gravel plateau, 43.3 km south of Ghaba, Oman, on October 8, 2002. Oxygen isotope (δ¹⁷O 2.78; δ¹⁸O 4.74), CRE age (?1.3 Ma), and noble gas studies confirm its Martian origin. SaU 150 is classified as an olivine‐phyric basalt, having a porphyritic texture with olivine macrocrysts set in a finer‐grained matrix of pigeonite and interstitial maskelynite, with minor augite, spinel, ilmenite, merrillite, pyrrhotite, pentlandite, and secondary (terrestrial) calcite and iron oxides. The bulk rock composition, in particular mg (68) [molar Mg/(Mg + Fe) x 100], Fe/Mn (37.9), and Na/Al (0.22), are characteristic of Martian meteorites. Based on mineral compositions, cooling rates determined from crystal morphology, and crystal size distribution, it is deduced that the parent magma formed in a steady‐state growth regime (magma chamber) that cooled at <°C/hr. Subsequent eruption as a thick lava flow or hypabyssal intrusion entrained a small fraction of xenocrystic olivine and gave rise to a magmatic foliation, with slow cooling allowing for near homogenization of igneous minerals. SaU 150 experienced an equilibration shock pressure of 33–45 GPa in a single impact event. Post‐shock heat gave rise to localized melting (?11 vol%). Larger volume melts remained fluid after pressure release and crystallized dendritic olivine and pyroxene with fractal dimensions of 1.80–1.89 and 1.89–1.95, respectively, at ‐ΔT >70–365 °C. SaU 150 is essentially identical to SaU 005/094, all representing samples of the same fall that are similar to, but distinct from, the DaG shergottites.     

Shergottites Dhofar 019, SaU 005, Shergotty,and Zagami: 40Ar‐39Ar chronology and trapped Martian atmospheric and interior argon

Abstract— We report a high‐resolution ⁴⁰Ar‐³⁹Ar study of mineral separates and whole‐rock samples of olivine‐phyric (Dhofar 019, Sayh al Uhaymir [SaU] 005) and basaltic (Shergotty, Zagami) shergottites. Excess argon is present in all samples. The highest (⁴⁰Ar/³⁶Ar)_trapped ratios are found for argon in pyroxene melt inclusions (?1500), maskelynite (?1200), impact glass (?1800) of Shergotty and impact glass of SaU 005 (?1200). A high (⁴⁰Ar/³⁶Ar)_trapped component‐usually uniquely ascribed to Martian atmosphere‐can also originate from the Martian interior, indicating a heterogeneous Martian mantle composition. As additional explanation of variable high (⁴⁰Ar/³⁶Ar)_trapped ratios in shocked shergottites, we suggest argon implantation from a “transient atmosphere” during impact induced degassing. The best ⁴⁰Ar‐³⁹Ar age estimate for Dhofar 019 is 642 ± 72 Ma (maskelynite). SaU 005 samples are between 700–900 Ma old. Relatively high ⁴⁰Ar‐³⁹Ar ages of melt inclusions within Dhofar 019 (1086 ± 252 Ma) and SaU 005 olivine (885 ± 66 Ma) could date entrapment of a magmatic liquid during early olivine crystallization, or reflect unrecognized excess ⁴⁰Ar components. The youngest ⁴⁰Ar‐³⁹Ar age of Shergotty separates (maskelynite) is ?370 Ma, that of Zagami is ?200 Ma. The ⁴⁰Ar‐³⁹Ar chronology of Dhofar 019 and SaU 005 indicate >1 Ga ages. Apparent ages uncorrected for trapped (e.g., Martian atmosphere, mantle) argon components approach 4.5 Ga, but are not caused by inherited ⁴⁰Ar, because excess ⁴⁰Ar is supported by ³⁶Ar_trapped. Young ages obtained by ⁴⁰Ar‐³⁹Ar and other chronometers argue for primary rather than secondary events. The cosmic ray exposure ages calculated from cosmogenic argon are 15.7 ± 0.7 Ma (Dhofar 019), 1.0–1.6 Ma (SaU 005), 2.1–2.5 Ma (Shergotty) and 2.2–3.0 Ma (Zagami).     

Petrology and trace element geochemistry of Tissint,the newest shergottite fall

The fall and recovery of the Tissint meteorite in 2011 created a rare opportunity to examine a Martian sample with a known, short residence time on Earth. Tissint is an olivine‐phyric shergottite that accumulated olivine antecrysts within a single magmatic system. Coarse olivine grains with nearly homogeneous cores of Mg# >80 suggest slow re‐equilibration. Many macroscopic features of this sample resemble those of LAR 06319, including the olivine crystal size distribution and the presence of evolved oxide and olivine compositions. Unlike LAR 06319, however, no magmatic hydrous phases were found in the analyzed samples of Tissint. Minor and trace element compositions indicate that the meteorite is the product of closed‐system crystallization from a parent melt derived from a depleted source, with no obvious addition of a LREE‐rich (crustal?) component prior to or during crystallization. The whole‐rock REE pattern is similar to that of intermediate olivine‐phyric shergottite EETA 79001 lithology A, and could also be approximated by a more olivine‐rich version of depleted basaltic shergottite QUE 94201. Magmatic oxygen fugacities are at the low end of the shergottite range, with log fO₂ of QFM‐3.5 to ‐4.0 estimated based on early‐crystallized minerals and QFM‐2.4 estimated based on the Eu in pyroxene oxybarometer. These values are similarly comparable to other depleted shergottites, including SaU 005 and QUE 94201. Tissint occupies a previously unsampled niche in shergottite chemistry: containing olivines with Mg# >80, resembling the enriched olivine‐phyric shergottite LAR 06319 in its crystallization path, and comparable to intermediate olivine‐phyric shergottite EETA 79001A, depleted olivine‐phyric shergottite DaG 476, and depleted basaltic shergottite QUE 94201 in its trace element abundances and oxygen fugacity. The apparent absence of evidence for terrestrial alteration in Tissint (particularly in trace element abundances in the whole‐rock and individual minerals) confirms that exposure to the arid desert environment results in only minimal weathering of samples, provided the exposure times are brief.     

Petrology and geochemistry of olivine‐phyric shergottites LAR 12095 and LAR 12240: Implications for their petrogenetic history on Mars

Larkman Nunatak (LAR) 12095 and LAR 12240 are recent olivine‐phyric shergottite finds. We report the results of petrographic and chemical analyses of these two samples to understand their petrogenesis on Mars. Based on our analyses, we suggest that these samples are likely paired and are most similar to other depleted olivine‐phyric shergottites, particularly Dar al Gani (DaG) 476 and Sayh al Uhaymir (SaU) 005 (and samples paired with those). The olivine megacryst cores in LAR 12095 and LAR 12240 are not in equilibrium with the groundmass olivines. We infer that these megacrysts are phenocrysts and their major element compositions have been homogenized by diffusion (the cores of the olivine megacrysts have Mg# ~70, whereas megacryst rims and groundmass olivines typically have Mg# ~58–60). The rare earth element (REE) microdistributions in the various phases (olivine, low‐ and high‐Ca pyroxene, maskelynite, and merrillite) in both samples are similar and support the likelihood that these two shergottites are indeed paired. The calculated parent melt (i.e., in equilibrium with the low‐Ca pyroxene, which is one of the earliest formed REE‐bearing minerals) has an REE pattern parallel to that of melt in equilibrium with merrillite (i.e., one of the last‐formed minerals). This suggests that the LAR 12095/12240 paired shergottites represent the product of closed‐system fractional crystallization following magma emplacement and crystal accumulation. Utilizing the europium oxybarometer, we estimate that the magmatic oxygen fugacity early in the crystallization sequence was ~IW. Finally, petrographic evidence indicates that LAR 12095/12240 experienced extensive shock prior to being ejected from Mars.     

Petrology and chemistry of the new shergottite Dar al Gani 476

Abstract— In 1998, Dar al Gani (DaG) 476 was found in the Libyan desert. The meteorite is classified as a basaltic shergottite and is only the 13th martian meteorite known to date. It has a porphyritic texture consisting of a fine‐grained groundmass and larger olivines. The groundmass consists of pyroxene and feldspathic glass. Minor phases are oxides and sulfides as well as phosphates. The presence of olivine, orthopyroxene, and chromite is a feature that DaG 476 has in common with lithology A of Elephant Moraine (EET) A79001. However, in DaG 476, these phases appear to be early phenocrysts rather than xenocrysts. Shock features, such as twinning, mosaicism, and impact‐melt pockets, are ubiquitous. Terrestrial weathering was severe and led to formation of carbonate veins following grain boundaries and cracks. With a molar MgO/(MgO + FeO) of 0.68, DaG 476 is the most magnesian member among the basaltic shergottites. Compositions of augite and pigeonite and some of the bulk element concentrations are intermediate between those of lherzolitic and basaltic shergottites. However, major elements, such as Fe and Ti, as well as LREE concentrations are considerably lower than in other shergottites. Noble gas concentrations are low and dominated by the mantle component previously found in Chassigny. A component, similar to that representing martian atmosphere, is virtually absent. The ejection age of 1.35 ± 0.10 Ma is older than that of EETA79001 and could possibly mark a distinct ejection. Dar al Gani 476 is classified as a basaltic shergottite based on its mineralogy. It has a fine‐grained groundmass consisting of clinopyroxene, pigeonite and augite, feldspathic glass and chromite, Ti‐chromite, ilmenite, sulfides, and whitlockite. Isolated olivine and single chromite grains occur in the groundmass. Orthopyroxene forms cores of some pigeonite grains. Shock‐features, such as shock‐twinning, mosaicism, cracks, and impact‐melt pockets, are abundant. Severe weathering in the Sahara led to significant formation of carbonate veins crosscutting the entire meteorite. Dar al Gani 476 is distinct from other known shergottites. Chemically, it is the most magnesian member among known basaltic shergottites and intermediate in composition for most trace and major elements between Iherzolitic and basaltic shergottites. Unique are the very low bulk REE element abundances. The CI‐normalized abundances of LREEs are even lower than those of Iherzolitic shergottites. The overall abundance pattern, however, is similar to that of QUE 94201. Textural evidence indicates that orthopyroxene, as well as olivine and chromite, crystallized as phenocrysts from a magma similar in composition to that of bulk DaG 476. Whether such a magma composition can be a shergottite parent melt or was formed by impact melting needs to be explored further. At this time, it cannot entirely be ruled out that these phases represent relics of disaggregated xenoliths that were incorporated and partially assimilated by a basaltic melt, although the texture does not support this possibility. Trapped noble gas concentrations are low and dominated by a Chassigny‐like mantle component. Virtually no martian atmosphere was trapped in DaG 476 whole‐rock splits. The exposure age of 1.26 ± 0.09 Ma is younger than that of most shergottites and closer to that of EETA79001. The ejection age of 1.35 ± 0.1 Ma could mark another distinct impact event.     

Northwest Africa 10414, a pigeonite cumulate shergottite

Northwest Africa (NWA) 10414 is an unusual shergottite with a cumulate texture. It contains 73% coarse prismatic pigeonite, plus 18% interstitial maskelynite, 2% Si‐rich mesostasis, 2% merrillite, and minor chromite‐ulvöspinel. It contains no olivine, and only ~3% augite. Phase compositions are pigeonite (En_68‐43Fs_27‐48Wo_5‐15) and maskelynite An_~54‐36, more sodic than most maskelynite in shergottites. Chromite‐ulvöspinel composition plots between the earliest and most fractionated spinel‐group minerals in olivine‐phyric shergottites. NWA 10414 mineralogically resembles the contact facies between Elephant Moraine 79001 lithologic units A and B, with abundant pigeonite phenocrysts, though it is coarser grained. Its most Mg‐rich pigeonite also has a similar composition to the earliest crystallized pyroxenes in several other shergottites, including Shergotty. The Shergotty intercumulus liquid composition crystallizes pigeonite with a similar composition range to NWA 10414 pigeonite, using PETROLOG. Olivine‐phyric shergottite NWA 6234, with a pure magma composition, produces an even better match to this pigeonite composition range, after olivine crystallization. These observations suggest that after the accumulation of olivine from an olivine‐phyric shergottite magma, the daughter liquid could precipitate pigeonite locally to form this pigeonite cumulate, before the crystallization of overlying liquid as a normal basaltic shergottite.     

Spinels and oxygen fugacity in olivine‐phyric and lherzolitic shergottites

Abstract— We examine the occurrences, textures, and compositional patterns of spinels in the olivine‐phyric shergottites Sayh al Uhaymir (SaU) 005, lithology A of Elephant Moraine A79001 (EET‐A), Dhofar 019, and Northwest Africa (NWA) 1110, as well as the Iherzolitic shergottite Allan Hills (ALH) A77005, in order to identify spinel‐olivine‐pyroxene assemblages for the determination of oxygen fugacity (using the oxybarometer of Wood [1991]) at several stages of crystallization. In all of these basaltic martian rocks, chromite was the earliest phase and crystallized along a trend of strict Cr‐Al variation. Spinel (chromite) crystallization was terminated by the appearance of pyroxene but resumed later with the appearance of ulvöspinel. Ulvöspinel formed overgrowths on early chromites (except those shielded as inclusions in olivine or pyroxene), retaining the evidence of the spinel stability gap in the form of a sharp core/rim boundary (except in ALH A77005, where subsolidus reequilibration diffused this boundary). Secondary effects seen in chromites include reaction with melt before ulvöspinel overgrowth, reaction with melt inclusions, reaction with olivine hosts (in ALH A77005), and exsolution of ulvöspinel or ilmenite. All chromites experienced subsolidus Fe/Mg reequilibration. Spinel‐olivine‐pyroxene assemblages representing the earliest stages of crystallization in each rock essentially consist of the highest‐Cr#, lowest‐fe# chromites not showing secondary effects plus the most magnesian olivine and equilibrium low‐Ca pyroxene. Assemblages representing the onset of ulvöspinel crystallization consist of the lowest‐Ti ulvöspinel, the most magnesian olivine in which ulvöspinel occurs as inclusions, and equilibrium low‐Ca pyroxene. The results show that, for early crystallization conditions, oxygen fugacity (fO₂) increases from SaU 005 and Dhofar 019 (?QFM ‐3.8), to EET‐A (QFM ‐2.8) and ALH A77005 (QFM ‐2.6), to NWA 1110 (QFM ‐1.7). Estimates for later conditions indicate that in SaU 005 and Dhofar 019 oxidation state did not change during crystallization. In EET‐A, there was an increase in fO₂ that may have been due to mixing of reduced material with a more oxidized magma. In NWA 1110, there was a dramatic increase, indicating a non‐buffered system, possibly related to its high oxidation state. Differences in fO₂ among shergottites are not primarily due to igneous fractionation but, rather, to derivation from (and possibly mixing of) different reservoirs.     

Experimental petrology,crystallization history,and parental magma characteristics of olivine‐phyric shergottite NWA 1068: Implications for the petrogenesis of “enriched” olivine‐phyric shergottites

Abstract– Northwest Africa (NWA) 1068 is one of the few olivine‐phyric shergottites (e.g., NWA 1068, Larkman Nunatak [LAR] 06319, and Roberts Massif [RBT] 04262) that is not depleted in light rare earth elements (LREE). Its REE pattern is similar to that of the basaltic shergottite Shergotty, suggesting a possible connection between the olivine‐phyric and the basaltic shergottites. To test this possible link, we have investigated the high‐pressure near‐liquidus phase equilibria for the NWA 1068 meteorite bulk composition. Our results show that the NWA 1068 bulk composition does not represent an unmodified mantle‐derived melt; the olivine and pyroxene in our near‐liquidus experiments are more magnesian than in the rock itself, which suggests that NWA 1068 contains cumulate minerals (extra olivine). We have then used these experimental results combined with the pyroxene compositions in NWA 1068 to constrain the possible high‐pressure crystallization history of the parental magma. These results suggest that NWA 1068 had a complex polybaric history. Finally, we have calculated a model parental magma composition for the NWA 1068 meteorite. The calculated parental magma is an evolved basaltic composition which is too ferroan to be a primitive melt directly derived from the mantle. We suggest that it ponded and crystallized at approximately the base of the crust. This provided an opportunity for the magma to become contaminated by an “enriched” crustal component prior to crystallization. The results and modeling from these experiments are applicable not only to the NWA 1068 meteorite, but also to LAR 06319 and possibly any other enriched olivine‐phyric shergottite.     

Metal‐saturated sulfide assemblages in NWA 2737: Evidence for impact‐related sulfur devolatilization in Martian meteorites

NWA 2737, a Martian meteorite from the Chassignite subclass, contains minute amounts (0.010 ± 0.005 vol%) of metal‐saturated Fe‐Ni sulfides. These latter bear evidence of the strong shock effects documented by abundant Fe nanoparticles and planar defects in Northwest Africa (NWA) 2737 olivine. A Ni‐poor troilite (Fe/S = 1.0 ± 0.01), sometimes Cr‐bearing (up to 1 wt%), coexists with micrometer‐sized taenite/tetrataenite‐type native Ni‐Fe alloys (Ni/Fe = 1) and Fe‐Os‐Ir‐(Ru) alloys a few hundreds of nanometers across. The troilite has exsolved flame‐like pentlandite (Fe/Fe + Ni = 0.5–0.6). Chalcopyrite is almost lacking, and no pyrite has been found. As a hot desert find, NWA 2737 shows astonishingly fresh sulfides. The composition of troilite coexisting with Ni‐Fe alloys is completely at odds with Chassigny and Nahkla sulfides (pyrite + metal‐deficient monoclinic‐type pyrrhotite). It indicates strongly reducing crystallization conditions (close to IW), several log units below the fO₂ conditions inferred from chromites compositions and accepted for Chassignites (FMQ‐1 log unit). It is proposed that reduction in sulfides into base and precious metal alloys is operated via sulfur degassing, which is supported by the highly resorbed and denticulated shape of sulfide blebs and their spongy textures. Shock‐related S degassing may be responsible for considerable damages in magmatic sulfide structures and sulfide assemblages, with concomitant loss of magnetic properties as documented in some other Martian meteorites.     

The variability of ruthenium in chromite from chassignite and olivine‐phyric shergottite meteorites: New insights into the behavior of PGE and sulfur in Martian magmatic systems

The Martian meteorites comprise mantle‐derived mafic to ultramafic rocks that formed in shallow intrusions and/or lava flows. This study reports the first in situ platinum‐group element data on chromite and ulvöspinel from a series of dunitic chassignites and olivine‐phyric shergottites, determined using laser‐ablation ICP‐MS. As recent studies have shown that Ru has strongly contrasting affinities for coexisting sulfide and spinel phases, the precise in situ analysis of this element in spinel can provide important insights into the sulfide saturation history of Martian mantle‐derived melts. The new data reveal distinctive differences between the two meteorite groups. Chromite from the chassignites Northwest Africa 2737 (NWA 2737) and Chassigny contained detectable concentrations of Ru (up to ~160 ppb Ru) in solid solution, whereas chromite and ulvöspinel from the olivine‐phyric shergottites Yamato‐980459 (Y‐980459), Tissint, and Dhofar 019 displayed Ru concentrations consistently below detection limit (<42 ppb). The relatively elevated Ru signatures of chromite from the chassignites suggest a Ru‐rich (~1–4 ppb) parental melt for this meteorite group, which presumably did not experience segregation of immiscible sulfide liquids over the interval of mantle melting, melt ascent, and chromite crystallization. The relatively Ru‐depleted signature of chromite and ulvöspinel from the olivine‐phyric shergottites may be the consequence of relatively lower Ru contents (<1 ppb) in the parental melts, and/or the presence of sulfides during the crystallization of the spinel phases. The results of this study illustrate the significance of platinum‐group element in situ analysis on spinel phases to decipher the sulfide saturation history of magmatic systems.     

A petrologic and trace element study of Dar al Gani 476 and Dar al Gani 489: Twin meteorites with affinities to basaltic and lherzolitic shergottites

Abstract— We present the results of a combined mineralogic‐petrologic and ion microprobe study of two martian meteorites recently recovered in the Lybian Sahara, Dar al Gani 476 (DaG 476) and Dar al Gani 489 (DaG 489). Having resided in a hot desert environment for an extended time, DaG 476 and DaG 489 were subjected to terrestrial weathering that significantly altered their chemical composition. In particular, analyses of some of the silicates show light rare earth element (LREE)‐enrichment resulting from terrestrial alteration. In situ measurement of trace element abundances in minerals allows us to identify areas unaffected by this contamination and, thereby, to infer the petrogenesis of these meteorites. No significant compositional differences between DaG 476 and DaG 489 were found, supporting the hypothesis that they belong to the same fall. These meteorites have characteristics in common with both basaltic and lherzolitic shergottites, possibly suggesting spatial and petrogenetic associations of these two types of lithologies on Mars. However, the compositions of Fe‐Ti oxides and the size of Eu anomalies in the earliest‐formed pyroxenes indicate that the two Saharan meteorites probably experienced more reducing crystallization conditions than other shergottites (with the exception of Queen Alexandra Range (QUE) 94201). As is the case for other shergottites, trace element microdistributions in minerals of the DaG martian meteorites indicate that closed‐system crystal fractionation from a LREE‐depleted parent magma dominated their crystallization history. Furthermore, rare earth element abundances in the orthopyroxene megacrysts are consistent with their origin as xenocrysts rather than phenocrysts.     

Two‐stage polybaric formation of the new enriched,pyroxene‐oikocrystic,lherzolitic shergottite,NWA 7397

Northwest Africa (NWA) 7397 is a newly discovered, enriched, lherzolitic shergottite, the third described example of this group. This meteorite consists of two distinct textural lithologies (1) poikilitic—comprised of zoned pyroxene oikocrysts, with chadacrysts of chromite and olivine, and (2) nonpoikilitic—comprised of olivine, low‐Ca and high‐Ca pyroxene, maskelynite, and minor abundances of merrillite, spinel, ilmenite, and pyrrhotite. The constant Ti/Al ratios of pyroxene oikocrysts suggests initial crystallization of the poikilitic lithology at depth (equivalent to pressures of approximately 10 kbar), followed by crystallization of the nonpoikilitic lithology at shallower levels. Oxygen fugacity conditions become more oxidizing during crystallization ranging from fO₂ conditions of approximately QFM‐2 to QFM‐0.7. Magma calculated to be in equilibrium with the major rock‐forming minerals is LREE‐enriched relative to depleted or intermediate shergottites and has flat overall profiles. Therefore, we suggest that the parental magma for NWA 7397 had sampled an enriched, oxidized, Martian geochemical source, similar to that of other enriched basaltic and olivine‐phyric shergottites. We present a polybaric formation model for the lherzolitic shergottite NWA 7397, to account for the petrologic constraints. Three successive stages in the development of NWA 7397 are discussed (1) formation of a REE‐enriched parental magma from a distinct Martian mantle reservoir; (2) magma ponding and development of a staging chamber concomitant with initial crystallization of the poikilitic lithology; and (3) magma ascent to the near surface, with entrainment of cumulates from the staging chamber and subsequent crystallization of the nonpoikilitic lithology en route to the surface.     

Petrography,mineral chemistry,and crystallization history of olivine‐phyric shergottite NWA 6234: A new melt composition

Knowledge of Martian igneous and mantle compositions is crucial for understanding Mars' mantle evolution, including early differentiation, mantle convection, and the chemical alteration at the surface. Primitive magmas provide the most direct information about their mantle source regions, but most Martian meteorites either contain cumulate olivine or crystallized from fractionated melts. The new Martian meteorite Northwest Africa (NWA) 6234 is an olivine‐phyric shergottite. Its most magnesian olivine cores (Fo₇₈) are in Mg‐Fe equilibrium with a magma of the bulk rock composition, suggesting that it represents a melt composition. Thermochemical calculations show that NWA 6234 not only represents a melt composition but is a primitive melt derived from an approximately Fo₈₀ mantle. Thus, NWA 6234 is similar to NWA 5789 and Y 980459 in the sense that all three are olivine‐phyric shergottites and represent primitive magma compositions. However, NWA 6234 is of special significance because it represents the first olivine‐phyric shergottite from a primitive ferroan magma. On the basis of Al/Ti ratio of pyroxenes in NWA 6234, the minor components in olivine and merrillite, and phosphorus zoning of olivine, we infer that the rock crystallized completely at pressures consistent with conditions in Mars' upper crust. The textural intergrowths of the two phosphates (merrillite and apatite) indicate that at a very last stage of crystallization, merrillite reacted with an OH‐Cl‐F‐rich melt to form apatite. As this meteorite crystallized completely at depth and never erupted, it is likely that its apatite compositions represent snapshots of the volatile ratios of the source region without being affected by degassing processes, which contain high OH‐F content.     

A new martian meteorite from the Sahara: The shergottite Dar al Gani 489

Abstract— Dar al Gani 489 (DaG 489) is a meteorite fragment of 2146 g found in the Libyan Sahara by a meteorite finder during one of his search campaigns in 1997–98. It is a porphyritic rock with millimetersized olivine crystals (Fo_79–59) set in a fine‐grained groundmass (average grain size 0.1 mm) consisting of pigeonite (En_75–57 Wo_5–15) crystals and interstitial feldspathic glass (An_67–56 Or_0–1). Minor phases include enstatite (En_82–71 Wo_2–4), augite (En_48–52 Wo_29–32), chromite, Ti‐chromite, ilmenite, pyrrhotite, merrillite, and secondary calcite and iron oxides. On the basis of mineralogical, petrographic, bulk chemical, O‐isotopic, and noble gas data, DaG 489 can be classified as a highly shocked martian meteorite (e.g., Fe/Mn_(bulk) = 42.1, Ni/Mg_(bulk) = 0.002; δ¹⁷O = 2.89, δ¹⁸O = 4.98, and Δ¹⁷O = 0.305), belonging to the basaltic shergottite subgroup. The texture and modal composition of DaG 489 are indeed those of basalts; nonetheless, the bulk chemistry, the abundance of large olivine and chromite crystals, and enstatitic pyroxene suggest some relationship with lherzolitic shergottites. As such, DaG 489 is similar to the hybrid shergottite Elephant Moraine (EET) A79001 lithology A; however, there are some relevant differences including a higher olivine content (20 vol%), the lack of orthopyroxene megacrysts, a higher molar Mg/(Mg + Fe)_(molar) = 0.68, and a lower rare earth element content in the bulk sample. Therefore, DaG 489 has the potential of providing us with a further petrogenetic link between the basaltic and lherzolitic shergottites. Noble gases data show that DaG 489 has an ejection age of ～1.3 Ma. This young age lends support to the requirement of several ejection events to produce the current population of shergottites, nakhlites, and chassignites (SNC) meteorites. In terms of texture, mineral and bulk compositions, shock level, and weathering features, DaG 489 is essentially identical to DaG 476, another basaltic shergottite independently found ～25 km due northnortheast of DaG 489. Because DaG 489 also has the same exposure history as DaG 476, it is very likely that both meteorites are fragments of the same fall. In addition to the existing hypotheses on the petrogenesis of the similar EETA79001 lithology A and the identical DaG 476, we propose that DaG 489 could have formed through high‐degree partial melting of a lherzolite‐like material.     

Trace elements in olivine and the petrogenesis of the intermediate,olivine‐phyric shergottite NWA 10170

Olivine‐phyric shergottites represent primitive basaltic to picritic rocks, spanning a large range of Mg# and olivine abundances. As primitive olivine‐bearing magmas are commonly representative of their mantle source on Earth, understanding the petrology and evolution of olivine‐phyric shergottites is critical in our understanding of Martian mantle compositions. We present data for the olivine‐phyric shergottite Northwest Africa (NWA) 10170 to constrain the petrology with specific implications for magma plumbing‐system dynamics. The calculated oxygen fugacity and bulk‐rock REE concentrations (based on modal abundance) are consistent with a geochemically intermediate classification for NWA 10170, and overall similarity with NWA 6234. In addition, we present trace element data using laser ablation ICP‐MS for coarse‐grained olivine cores, and compare these data with terrestrial and Martian data sets. The olivines in NWA 10170 contain cores with compositions of Fo₇₇ that evolve to rims with composition of Fo₅₈, and are characterized by cores with low Ni contents (400–600 ppm). Nickel is compatible in olivine and such low Ni content for olivine cores in NWA 10170 suggests either early‐stage fractionation and loss of olivine from the magma in a staging chamber at depth, or that Martian magmas have lower Ni than terrestrial magmas. We suggest that both are true in this case. Therefore, the magma does not represent a primary mantle melt, but rather has undergone 10–15% fractionation in a staging chamber prior to extrusion/intrusion at the surface of Mars. This further implies that careful evaluation of not only the Mg# but also the trace element concentrations of olivine needs to be conducted to evaluate pristine mantle melts versus those that have fractionated olivine (±pyroxene and oxide minerals) in staging chambers.     

Crystallization of the basaltic shergottites: Insights from crystal size distribution (CSD) analysis of pyroxenes

Abstract— Quantitative petrographic analysis, using the crystal size distribution (CSD) method, provides a novel approach for examining the crystallization histories of basaltic shergottites. Grain number densities at different sizes are plotted against grain size, and the resulting curve relates to the geologic processes involved with the crystallization of the grain population. Most basaltic shergottites are dominated by pigeonite and augite; and because plagioclase is primarily interstitial, and therefore constrained in its growth by the surrounding pyroxenes, we limited our size measurements to the pyroxene phases. The groundmasses of Elephant Moraine (EET) A79001 lithology A and Dar al Gani (DaG) 476 are fine grained with cumulus pyroxene and interstitial plagioclase glass. Their simple linear CSD plots record a single stage of pyroxene crystallization under steady‐state conditions of continuous nucleation and growth. The textures of Queen Alexandra Range (QUE) 94201 and EETA79001 lithology B are quite different from the other shergottites, with intergrown pyroxene and plagioclase. Likewise, their CSD plots are also distinct, with curved trends that suggest a lack of large grains, most likely because of interference between simultaneously growing silicate phases. However, the CSD plot shapes are smooth, also implying a single stage of growth. Shergotty and Zagami, with coarser cumulus textures, display CSD plots that are generally linear over most grain sizes. This implies that conditions of nucleation and growth were dominant during formation of the pyroxene populations. Both plots, however, also display kinks, implying multiple stages of growth. A similar kink is also visible in a CSD plot of only the Mg‐rich cores of Shergotty pyroxenes, which suggests the feature represents changes in conditions during core crystallization, rather than an event coincident with the change in composition to the Fe‐rich rims. The plot may be interpreted as representing two stages of core growth with an intervening short hiatus of nucleation, with continued crystallization associated with ascent of the magma. Eruption onto the surface probably triggered the compositional change to Fe‐rich rims. The CSD analysis of products from a controlled crystallization study agree with experimental and petrologic estimates that cooling rates for Zagami were on the order of a few tenths of a degree per hour. Growth rates derived from these cooling rates suggest crystallization of Shergotty and Zagami pyroxenes occurred over a period of a few weeks to months.     

Silica as a shock index in shergottites: A cathodoluminescence study

Abstract— Silica in shergottites is a minor phase of great significance. Determining its structural state as either silica glass, quartz, cristobalite, tridymite, coesite, stishovite, or post‐stishovite could provide informations about their shock history. The purpose of this work is to assess the shock intensity in shergottites using two spectroscopic methods. On a conventional polished section, a scanning electron microscope (SEM) enables us to study the cathodoluminescence (CL) of silica at variable magnification. The results were crosschecked by systematic Raman spectroscopy of the selected areas. CL spectra differ substantially from one another and enable separating stishovite, high and low pressure silica glass, quartz, and cristobalite. We studied a set of five shergottites: Northwest Africa (NWA) 480, NWA 856, Zagami, Shergotty, and Los Angeles. Stishovite is common in Shergotty, Zagami, NWA 856, and NWA 480 and absent in the studied section of Los Angeles. High‐pressure glass is very common, particularly in close association with stishovite. According to the textural relationship, it may be a product of the retromorphosis (amorphization during decompression) of stishovite. Large stishovite areas result from the transformation of preexisting low‐pressure silica crystals, while needles result from the high‐pressure transformation of pyroxene to glass (melt) and silica. In the latter case, they are found in melt pockets and represent a small fraction of areas of overall pyroxene composition. Needles exhibit square sections of about 1 μm. Silica spots identical to those described previously as post‐stishovite are found in Shergotty, Zagami, NWA 480, and NWA 856. At present, the spectroscopic distinction of post‐stishovite from stishovite is difficult. Post‐stishovite is destroyed under the Raman beam, and CL spectra are possible mixtures of several phases (e.g., glass and post‐stishovite). It is concluded that the shock intensity is highly heterogeneous, and the pressure probably exceeded 60 GPa in all shergottites studied here.     

The chlorine isotopic composition of Martian meteorites 1: Chlorine isotope composition of Martian mantle and crustal reservoirs and their interactions

The Martian meteorites record a wide diversity of environments, processes, and ages. Much work has been done to decipher potential mantle sources for Martian magmas and their interactions with crustal and surface environments. Chlorine isotopes provide a unique opportunity to assess interactions between Martian mantle‐derived magmas and the crust. We have measured the Cl‐isotopic composition of 17 samples that span the range of known ages, Martian environments, and mantle reservoirs. The ³⁷Cl of the Martian mantle, as represented by the olivine‐phyric shergottites, NWA 2737 (chassignite), and Shergotty (basaltic shergottite), has a low value of approximately ?3.8‰. This value is lower than that of all other planetary bodies measured thus far. The Martian crust, as represented by regolith breccia NWA 7034, is variably enriched in the heavy isotope of Cl. This enrichment is reflective of preferential loss of ³⁵Cl to space. Most basaltic shergottites (less Shergotty), nakhlites, Chassigny, and Allan Hills 84001 lie on a continuum between the Martian mantle and crust. This intermediate range is explained by mechanical mixing through impact, fluid interaction, and assimilation‐fractional crystallization.