Petrology of Martian meteorite Northwest Africa 998

Abstract— Nakhlite Northwest Africa (NWA) 998 is an augite-rich cumulate igneous rock with mineral compositions and oxygen isotopic composition consistent with an origin on Mars. This 456-gram, partially fusion-crusted meteorite consists of (by volume) ∼75% augite (core composition Wo₃₉En₃₉Fs₂₂), ∼9% olivine (Fo₃₅), ∼7% plagioclase (Ab₆₁An₃₅) as anhedra among augite and olivine, ∼3.5% low-calcium pyroxenes (pigeonite and orthopyroxene) replacing or forming overgrowths on olivine and augite, ∼1% titanomagnetite, and other phases including potassium feldspar, apatite, pyrrhotite, chalcopyrite, ilmenite, and fine-grained mesostasis material. Minor secondary alteration materials include “iddingsite” associated with olivine (probably Martian), calcite crack fillings, and iron oxide/hydroxide staining (both probably terrestrial). Shock effects are limited to minor cataclasis and twinning in augite. In comparison to other nakhlites, NWA 998 contains more low-calcium pyroxenes and its plagioclase crystals are blockier. The large size of the intercumulus feldspars and the chemical homogeneity of the olivine imply relatively slow cooling and chemical equilibration in the late- and post-igneous history of this specimen, and mineral thermometers give subsolidus temperatures near 730 °C. Oxidation state was near that of the QFM buffer, from about QFM-2 in earliest crystallization to near QFM in late crystallization, and to about QFM + 1.5 in some magmatic inclusions. The replacement or overgrowth of olivine by pigeonite and orthopyroxene (with or without titanomagnetite), and the marginal replacement of augite by pigeonite, are interpreted to result from late-stage reactions with residual melts (consistent with experimental phase equilibrium relationships). Apatite is concentrated in planar zones separating apatite-free domains, which suggests that residual magma (rich in P and REE) was concentrated in planar (fracture?) zones and possibly migrated through them. Loss of late magma through these zones is consistent with the low bulk REE content of NWA 998 compared with the calculated REE content of its parent magma.     

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.     

INFRARED (JHK) PHOTOMETRY OF METEORITES AND ASTEROIDS

We present JHK colors observed for ten asteroids and synthesized JHK colors for seven meteorite groups, samples of iron and nickel metal, pyroxene, olivine, feldspar, a lunar anorthite and some terrestrial mineral samples. Pronounced differences are apparent between the chondritic and achondritic meteorite classes; the chondritic classes show less subdued trends in J-H color which reflect their metamorphic grade We find small but significant differences between the JHK colors of the predominant C and S classes of asteroids. All JHK colors of asteroids observed here fall within the limited domain defined by the various chondritic and iron-rich meteorites but are strikingly different from those of most achondritic meteorites     

The Burnwell,Kentucky, low iron oxide chondrite fall: Description,classification and origin

Abstract— The Burnwell, Kentucky, meteorite fell as a single stone on 1990 September 4. The Burnwell meteorite has lower Fa in olivine (15.8 mol%), Fs in orthopyroxene (13.4 mol%), Co in kamacite (0.36 wt%), FeO from bulk chemical analysis (9.43 wt%), and Δ¹⁷O (0.51 ± 0.02%), and higher Fe, Ni, Co metal (19.75 wt% from bulk wet chemical analysis) than observed in H chondrites. The Burnwell meteorite plots on extensions of H-L-LL chondrite trends for each of these properties towards more reducing compositions than in H chondrites. Extensions of this trend have been previously suggested in the case of other low-FeO chondrites or silicate inclusions in the HE iron Netschaëvo, but interpretation of the evidence in these meteorites is complicated by terrestrial weathering, chemical disequilibrium or reduction. In contrast, the Burn-well meteorite is an equilibrated fall that exhibits no evidence for reduction. As such, it provides the first definitive evidence for extension of the H-L-LL ordinary chondrite trend beyond typical H values towards more reducing compositions.     

A DETAILED CHEMICAL STUDY ON THE BARWISE CHONDRITE

Six fragments of the Barwise meteorite were analyzed for REE and eleven other elements (Al, Ca, Mg, Mn, Na, K, Cr, Fe, Co, Ni and Ba). In addition, two fragments were analyzed for Si and Mg. The chondrite-normalized REE patterns of six fragments studied show interesting systematic variations. Three fragments with relatively high La abundances show a negative Ce anomaly. Since the meteorite in question is a find, it could be suspected that the observed REE fractionations are due to terrestrial contamination. To examine this point, a soil sample from the find site was also analyzed for REE and major chemical elements. It is considered that several facts, especially, the relationships between La and SiO₂ and between SiO₂ and MgO, suggest the pre-terrestrial fractionation rather than the terrestrial contamination. Unexpectedly, it is shown that the REE fractionation observed in the investigated fragments correlates with the metal-silicate and the Fe-Co-Ni fractionations. In this connection, large metal grains were investigated for Fe, Co and Ni contents. A suggestion is presented that this chondrite was formed through the melting of the surface of a planetesimal and the subsequent collision, although the possibility of terrestrial contamination might not be ruled out.     

Petrogenesis of basaltic shergottite Northwest Africa 5298: Closed‐system crystallization of an oxidized mafic melt

Abstract– Northwest Africa (NWA) 5298 is an evolved basaltic shergottite that has bulk characteristics and mineral compositions consistent with derivation from an oxidized reservoir in Mars. Chemically zoned clinopyroxene (64.5%, augite and pigeonite), with interstitial lath‐shaped plagioclase (29.4%, An₄₀ to An₅₅), constitutes the bulk of this meteorite. The plagioclase has been converted by shock to both isotropic maskelynite and spherulitic, birefringent feldspar representing a quenched vesicular melt. The remainder of the rock consists of minor amounts of Fe‐Ti oxides (ilmenite and titanomagnetite), phosphates (merrillite and apatite), silica polymorph, fayalite, pyrrhotite, baddeleyite, and minor hot desert weathering products (calcite and barite). Oxygen fugacity derived from Fe‐Ti oxide thermobarometry is close to the quartz‐fayalite‐magnetite (QFM) buffer indicating that the late stage evolution of this magma occurred under more oxidizing condition than those recorded in most other shergottites. Merrillite contains the largest abundances of rare earth elements (REE) of all phases, thereby controlling the REE budget in NWA 5298. The calculated bulk rock REE pattern normalized to CI chondrite is relatively flat. The evolution of the normalized REE patterns of the bulk rock, clinopyroxene, plagioclase, and phosphate in NWA 5298 is consistent with closed‐system chemical behavior with no evidence of crustal contamination or postcrystallization disturbance of the REE contents of these phases.     

Fluid mobilization of rare earth elements,Th, and U during the terrestrial alteration of H chondrites

The chemical effects of terrestrial alteration, with a particular focus on lithophile trace elements, were studied for a set of H chondrites displaying various degrees of weathering from fresh falls to altered finds collected from hot deserts. According to their trace element distributions, a considerable fraction of rare earth elements (REEs), Th, and U resides within cracks observed in weathered meteorite specimens. These cracks appear to accumulate unbound REEs locally accompanied by Th and U relative to the major element abundances, especially P and Si. The deposition of Ce is observed in cracks in the case of most of the weathered samples. Trace element maps visually confirm the accumulation of these elements in such cracks, as previously inferred based on chemical leaching experiments. Because the positive Ce anomalies and unbound REE depositions in cracks occur in all weathered samples studied here while none of such features are observed in less altered samples including falls (except for altered fall sample Nuevo Mercurio), these features are interpreted to have been caused by terrestrial weathering following chemical leaching. However, the overall effects on the bulk chemical composition remain limited as the data for all Antarctic meteorites studied in this work (except for heavily weathered sample A 09516, H6) are in good agreement with published data for unaltered meteorites.     

THE ORO GRANDE,NEW MEXICO,CHONDRITE AND ITS LITHIC INCLUSION

The Oro Grande, New Mexico, U.S.A., chondrite was found in 1971. Electron microprobe analyses and microscopic examination show the following mineralogy: olivine (Fa 19.3 mole percent), orthopyroxene (Fs 16.2 mole percent), diopside, feldspar (An 13.6 mole percent), chlorapatite, whitlockite, kamacite, taenite, troilite, chromite, and an iron-bearing terrestrial weathering product. A bulk chemical analysis of the meteorite shows the following results (weight percent): Fe 0.84, Ni 1.46, Co 0.07, FeS 3.62, SiO₂ 34.18, TiO₂ 0.14, Al₂O₃ 1.83, Cr₂O₃ 0.55, Fe₂O₃ 21.25, FeO 9.13, MnO 0.31, MgO 21.52, CaO 1.72, Na₂O 0.70, K₂O 0.08, P₂O₅ 0.25, H₂O+ 2.14, H₂O^- 0.40, C 0.22, Sum 100.41. On the basis of composition and texture, the Oro Grande meteorite is classified as an H5 chondrite. A large lithic fragment (～5 mm long) with a very fine-grained texture different from that of the host meteorite was analyzed for bulk composition using the broad beam of an electron microprobe, and was found to be enriched in Ca, Al, Na, and K, and depleted in Mg and Fe relative to the bulk composition of the host meteorite. Its mineral compositions, however, are very similar to those of the host. It is suggested that the fragment is not a xenolith of a previously undescribed type of achondrite, but is probably an impact-produced partial melt of the host chondrite or a fragment of an unusually large chondrule.     

The oxygen isotopic composition of water from Tagish Lake: Its relationship to low‐temperature phases and to other carbonaceous chondrites

Abstract— The fall and recovery of the Tagish Lake meteorite in British Columbia in January 2000 provided a unique opportunity to study relatively pristine samples of carbonaceous chondrite material. Measurements of the oxygen isotopic composition of water extracted under stepped pyrolysis from a bulk sample of this meteorite have allowed us to make comparisons with similar data obtained from CI and CM chondrites and so further investigate any relationships that may exist between these meteorites. The much lower yield of water bearing a terrestrial signature in Tagish Lake is indicative of the pristine nature of the meteorite. The relationship between the isotopic composition of this water and reported isotopic values for carbonates, bulk matrix and whole rock have been used to infer the extent and conditions under which parent‐body aqueous alteration occurred. In Tagish Lake the difference in Δ17O isotopic composition between the water and other phases is greater than that found in either CM or CI chondrites suggesting that reaction and isotopic exchange between components was more limited. This in turn suggests that in the case of Tagish Lake conditions during the processes of aqueous alteration on the parent body, which ultimately controlled the formation of new minerals, were distinct from those on both CI and CM parent bodies.     

Modification of REE distribution of ordinary chondrites from Atacama (Chile) and Lut (Iran) hot deserts: Insights into the chemical weathering of meteorites

The behavior of rare earth elements (REEs) during hot desert weathering of meteorites is investigated. Ordinary chondrites (OCs) from Atacama (Chile) and Lut (Iran) deserts show different variations in REE composition during this process. Inductively coupled plasma–mass spectrometry (ICP‐MS) data reveal that hot desert OCs tend to show elevated light REE concentrations, relative to OC falls. Chondrites from Atacama are by far the most enriched in REEs and this enrichment is not necessarily related to their degree of weathering. Positive Ce anomaly of fresh chondrites from Atacama and the successive formation of a negative Ce anomaly with the addition of trivalent REEs are similar to the process reported from Antarctic eucrites. In addition to REEs, Sr and Ba also show different concentrations when comparing OCs from different hot deserts. The stability of Atacama surfaces and the associated old terrestrial ages of meteorites from this region give the samples the necessary time to interact with the terrestrial environment and to be chemically modified. Higher REE contents and LREE‐enriched composition are evidence of contamination by terrestrial soil. Despite their low degrees of weathering, special care must be taken into account while working on the REE composition of Atacama meteorites for cosmochemistry applications. In contrast, chondrites from the Lut desert show lower degrees of REE modification, despite significant weathering signed by Sr content. This is explained by the relatively rapid weathering rate of the meteorites occurring in the Lut desert, which hampers the penetration of terrestrial material by forming voluminous Fe oxide/oxyhydroxides shortly after the meteorite fall.     

A NOTE ON THE MINERALOGY AND CLASSIFICATION OF THE VILNA METEORITE

Electron microprobe analyses of olivine, orthopyroxene, clinopyroxene, plagioclase feldspar, chromite, whitlockite, apatite, troilite and metals indicate that the Vilna meteorite is a hypersthene chondrite belonging to the L5 or L6 subgroups.     

Martian meteorite Dhofar 019: A new shergottite

Abstract— Dhofar 019 is a new martian meteorite found in the desert of Oman. In texture, mineralogy, and major and trace element chemistry, this meteorite is classified as a basaltic shergottite. Olivine megacrysts are set within a groundmass composed of finer grained olivine, pyroxene (pigeonite and augite), and maskelynite. Minor phases are chromite‐ulvöspinel, ilmenite, silica, K‐rich feldspar, merrillite, chlorapatite, and pyrrhotite. Secondary phases of terrestrial origin include calcite, gypsum, celestite, Fe hydroxides, and smectite. Dhofar 019 is most similar to the Elephant Moraine (EETA) 79001 lithology A and Dar al Gani (DaG) 476/489 shergottites. The main features that distinguish Dhofar 019 from other shergottites are lack of orthopyroxene; lower Ni contents of olivine; the heaviest oxygen‐isotopic bulk composition; and larger compositional ranges for olivine, maskelynite, and spinel, as well as a wide range for pyroxenes. The large compositional ranges of the minerals are indicative of relatively rapid crystallization. Modeling of olivine chemical zonations yield minimum cooling rates of 0.5‐0.8 °C/h. Spinel chemistry suggests that crystallization took place under one of the most reduced conditions for martian meteorites, at an fO₂ 3 log units below the quartz‐fayalite‐magnetite (QFM) buffer. The olivine megacrysts are heterogeneously distributed in the rock. Crystal size distribution analysis suggests that they constitute a population formed under steady‐state conditions of nucleation and growth, although a few grains may be cumulates. The parent melt is thought to have been derived from partial melting of a light rare earth element‐ and platinum group element‐depleted mantle source. Shergottites, EETA79001 lithology A, DaG 476/489, and Dhofar 019, although of different ages, comprise a particular type of martian rocks. Such rocks could have formed from chemically similar source(s) and parent melt(s), with their bulk compositions affected by olivine accumulation.     

THE MARYVILLE METEORITE: A 1983 FALL OF AN L6 CHONDRITE

The Maryville chondrite fell on January 28, 1983 in eastern Tennessee. Compositions of olivine (Fa 24.5), orthopyroxene (Fs 20.8), plagioclase (An 10.6), along with the bulk composition and siderophile concentrations, indicate L-group classification. The presence of highly equilibrated minerals, strongly recrystallized matrix, and the development of large, clear plagioclase grains suggest petrologic type 6 classification. Subsequent to metamorphism the meteorite was subjected to high transient pressures that converted some feldspar to glass, deformed the silicates, and caused small amounts of melting to occur. The effects of this shock event correspond to shock facies “d” or “e”.     

Mineral and chemical composition of the Jezersko meteorite—A new chondrite from Slovenia

The Jezersko meteorite is a newly confirmed stony meteorite found in 1992 in the Karavanke mountains, Slovenia. The meteorite is moderately weathered (W2), indicating short terrestrial residence time. Chondrules in partially recrystallized matrix are clearly discernible but often fragmented and have mean diameter of 0.73 mm. The meteorite consists of homogeneous olivine (Fa_19.4) and low‐Ca pyroxenes (Fs_16.7Wo_1.2), of which 34% are monoclinic, and minor plagioclase (Ab₈₃An₁₁Or₆) and Ca‐pyroxene (Fs₆Wo_45.8). Troilite, kamacite, zoned taenite, tetrataenite, chromite, and metallic copper comprise about 16.5 vol% of the meteorite. Phosphates are represented by merrillite and minor chlorapatite. Undulatory extinction in some olivine grains and other shock indicators suggests weak shock metamorphism between stages S2 and S3. The bulk chemical composition generally corresponds to the mean H chondrite composition. Low siderophile element contents indicate the oxidized character of the Jezersko parent body. The temperatures recorded by two‐pyroxene, olivine‐chromite, and olivine‐orthopyroxene geothermometers are 854 °C, 737–787 °C, and 750 °C, respectively. Mg concentration profiles across orthopyroxenes and clinopyroxenes indicate relatively fast cooling at temperatures above 700 °C. A low cooling rate of 10 °C Myr^?1 was obtained from metallographic data. Considering physical, chemical, and mineralogical properties, meteorite Jezersko was classified as an H4 S2(3) ordinary chondrite.     

Petrology and geochemistry of the fine‐grained,unbrecciated diogenite Northwest Africa 4215

Abstract— We report on the petrology and geochemistry of Northwest Africa (NWA) 4215, an unbrecciated diogenite recovered in the Sahara. This single stone, weighing 46.4 g, displays a wellpreserved cumulative texture. It consists of zoned xenomorphic orthopyroxene grains on the order of 500 μm in size, along with a few large chromite crystals (<5 vol%, up to 3 mm). Accessory olivine and scarce diopside grains occur within the groundmass, usually around the chromite crystals. Minor phases are cristobalite, troilite, and metal. Unlike other diogenites, orthopyroxenes (En_76.2Wo_1.1Fs_22.7 to En_68.6Wo_5.5Fs_25.9), olivines (Fo₇₆ to Fo₇₁), and chromites (Mg# = 14.3 44.0, Cr# = 42.2–86.5) are chemically zoned. The minor element behavior in orthopyroxenes and the intricate chemical profiles obtained in chromites indicate that the zonings do not mirror the evolution of the parental melt. We suggest that they resulted from reaction of the crystals with intercumulus melt. In order to preserve the observed zoning profiles, NWA 4215 clearly cooled significantly faster than other diogenites. Indeed, the cooling rate determined from the diffusion of Cr in olivine abutting chromite is in the order of 10–50 °C/a, suggesting that NWA 4215 formed within a small, shallow intrusion. The bulk composition of NWA 4215 has been determined for major and trace elements. This meteorite is weathered and its fractures are filled with calcite, limonite, and gypsum, typical of hot desert alteration. In particular, the FeO, CaO abundances and most of the trace element concentrations (Sr, Ba, Pb, and REE among others) are high and indicate a significant contribution from the secondary minerals. To remove the terrestrial contribution, we have leached with HCl a subsample of the meteorite. The residue, made essentially of orthopyroxene and chromite, has similar major and trace element abundances to diogenites as shown by the shape of its REE pattern or by its high Al/Ga ratio. The connection of NWA 4215 with diogenites is confirmed by its O‐isotopic composition (δ¹⁷O = 1.431 ± 0.102‰, δ¹⁸O = 3.203 ± 0.205‰, Δ¹⁷O = ?0.248 ± 0.005‰).     

The lherzolitic shergottite Grove Mountains 99027: Rare earth element geochemistry

Abstract— We report here on an ion probe study of rare earth element (REE) geochemistry in the lherzolitic shergottite Grove Mountains (GRV) 99027. This meteorite shows almost identical mineralogy, petrology, and REE geochemistry to those of the lherzolitic shergottites Allan Hills (ALH) A77005, Lewis Cliff (LEW) 88516, and Yamato (Y‐) 793605. REE concentrations in olivine, pyroxenes, maskelynite, merrillite, and melt glass are basically comparable to previous data obtained from ALH A77005, LEW 88516, and Y‐793605. Olivine is the dominant phase in this meteorite. It is commonly enclosed by large (up to several mm) pigeonite oikocrysts. Non‐poikilitic areas consist of larger olivine grains (?mm), pigeonite, augite, and maskelynite. Minor merrillite (up to 150 μm in size) is widespread in non‐poikilitic regions, occurring interstitially between olivine and pyroxene grains. It is the main REE carrier in GRV 99027 and has relatively higher REEs (200–1000 × CI) than that of other lherzolitic shergottites. A REE budget calculation for GRV 99027 yields a whole rock REE pattern very similar to that of other lherzolites. It is characterized by the distinctive light REE depletion and a smooth increase from light REEs to heavy REEs. REE microdistributions in GRV 99027 strongly support the idea that all lherzolitic shergottites formed by identical igneous processes, probably from the same magma chamber on Mars. Despite many similarities in mineralogy, petrography, and trace element geochemistry, subtle differences exist between GRV 99027 and other lherzolitic shergottites. GRV 99027 has relatively uniform mineral compositions (both major elements and REEs), implying that it suffered a higher degree of sub‐solidus equilibration than the other three lherzolites. It is notable that GRV 99027 has experienced terrestrial weathering in the Antarctic environment, as its olivine and pyroxenes commonly display a light REE enrichment and a negative Ce anomaly. Caution needs to be taken in future chronological studies.     

Chondritic ingredients: II. Reconstructing early solar system history via refractory lithophile trace elements in individual objects of the Leoville CV3 chondrite

We performed a LA-ICP-MS study of refractory lithophile trace elements in 32 individual objects selected from a single section of the reduced CV3 chondrite Leoville. Ingredients sampled include ferromagnesian type I and II chondrules, Al-rich chondrules (ARCs), calcium-aluminum-rich inclusions (CAIs), a single amoeboid olivine aggregate (AOA), and matrix. The majority of rare earth element (REE) signatures identified are either of the category “group II” or they are relatively flat, i.e., more or less unfractionated. Data derived for bulk Leoville exhibit characteristics of the group II pattern. The bulk REE inventory is essentially governed by those of CAIs (group II), ARCs (flat or group II), type I chondrules (about 90% flat, 10% group II), and matrix (group II). Leoville matrix also shows a superimposed positive Eu anomaly. The excess in Eu is possibly due to terrestrial weathering. The group II pattern, however, testifies to volatility-controlled fractional condensation from a residual gas of solar composition at still relatively high temperature. In principle, this signature (group II) is omnipresent in all types of constituents, suggesting that the original REE carrier of all components was CAI-like dust. In addition, single-element anomalies occasionally superimposing the group II signature reveal specific changes in redox conditions. We also determined the bulk chemical composition of all objects studied. For Mg/Si, Mg/Fe, and Al/Ca, Leoville's main ingredients—type I chondrules and matrix—display a complementary relationship. Both components probably formed successively in the same source region.     

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.     

Multi-zone fusion crust formation and classification of the 2004 Auckland meteorite (L6, S5, and W0)

On June 12, 2004, a meteorite passed through Earth's atmosphere and landed under the television in the living room of a house in Auckland, New Zealand. Textural characteristics, the chemistry of olivine (Fa_23–24) and orthopyroxene (Fs_20.7), and the bulk rock triple oxygen isotopes (δ¹⁷O + 3.1; δ¹⁸O + 4.2‰) from the interior of the completely unweathered (W0) 1.3 kg meteorite, hereafter referred to as Auckland, suggest it to be a strongly metamorphosed fragment from the interior of a low iron ordinary chondrite (L6) parent asteroid. The occurrence of maskelynite but shock fracturing of olivine and pyroxene indicates Auckland experienced extreme shock metamorphism (S5), likely during Ordovician fragmentation of the asteroid parent. The fusion crust consists of three zones: (1) an innermost zone containing narrow Fe-Ni-S-bearing veins that migrated along pre-existing shock fractures in olivine and pyroxene; (2) a middle zone in which the meteorite partially melted to form a silicate glass and immiscible blebs of metal and troilite, and is accompanied by unmelted silicate minerals; and (3) an approximately 0.1 mm wide vesicular-rich outermost layer that largely melted, volatilizing sulfides, before quenching to form glass and olivine. Oxygen isotope values of the bulk rock and/or maskelynite of melted rim and modified substrate are 2–3‰ greater than the meteorite interior and indicate that up to 19% of terrestrial atmospheric O₂ was incorporated into the fusion crust during the formation. The fusion crust migrated inwards as ablation occurred, enabling melting, migration, and re-precipitation ± loss of sulfide and metal components, with the prominent glassy rim therefore forming from an already chemically modified zone.     

Accretion in the inner nebula: The relationship between terrestrial planetary compositions and meteorites*

Abstract— The bulk compositions of the terrestrial planets are assessed. Venus and Earth probably have similar bulk compositions, but Mars is enriched in volatile elements. The inner planets are all depleted in volatile elements, as shown by K/U ratios, relative to most meteorites and the CI primordial values. Terrestrial upper mantle Mg/Si ratios are high compared with CI data. If they are representative of the bulk Earth, then the Earth accreted from a segregated suite of planetesimals that had non-chondritic major element abundances. The CI meteorite abundances, despite aqueous alteration, match the solar data and provide the best estimate for the composition of the solar nebula, including the iron abundance. The widespread depletion of volatile elements in the inner solar nebula is most likely caused by heating related to early violent solar activity (e.g., T Tauri and FU Orionis stages) which, for example, drove water out to a “snow line” in the vicinity of Jupiter. The variation in composition among the meteorites and the apparent lack of mixing among the groups indicates accretion from narrow feeding zones. There appears to have been little mixing between meteorite and planetary formation zones, as shown by the oxygen isotope variations, lack of mixing of meteorite groups, and differences in K/U ratios. In summary, it appears that the final accretion of planets did not result in widespread homogenization, and that mixing zones were not more than about 0.3 A.U. wide. Although the composition of the Moon is unique, and its origin due to an essentially random event, its presence reinforces the planetesimal hypothesis and the importance of stochastic processes during planetary accretion in the inner solar system.