A unified intensity of the magnetic field in the protoplanetary disk from the Winchcombe meteorite

One key feature of our protoplanetary disk that shaped its transformation into a system of planetary bodies was its vast magnetic field. Unique constraints on the properties of this field can be gleaned from paleomagnetic measurements of certain meteorites. Here, we apply this approach to the recent CM chondrite fall Winchcombe with the aim of constructing the most complete and reliable record to date of the behavior of the disk field in the outer solar system. We find that the interior of Winchcombe carries a stable, pre-terrestrial magnetization that likely dates from the period of aqueous alteration of the CM chondrite parent body. This remanence corresponds to a paleointensity of 31 ± 17 μT accounting for the average effect of parent body rotation. Winchcombe is rich in framboids and plaquettes of magnetite, which formed via precipitation following the dissolution of iron sulfide. This contrasts with most other CM chondrites, where magnetite formed predominantly via pseudomorphic replacement of FeNi metal. Accounting for the potential differences in recording fidelities of these types of magnetite, we find that the reported paleointensities from all CM chondrites to date are likely underestimates of the disk field intensity in the outer solar system, and use our measurements to calculate a unified intensity estimate of ~78 μT. This paleointensity is consistent with two independent values from recent studies, which collectively argue that the disk field could have played a larger role in shaping the behavior of the disk in the outer solar system than previously considered.     

Magnetic classification of stony meteorites: 2. Non‐ordinary chondrites

Abstract— A database of magnetic susceptibility (χ) measurements on different non‐ordinary chondrites (C, E, R, and ungrouped) populations is presented and compared to our previous similar work on ordinary chondrites. It provides an exhaustive study of the amount of iron‐nickel magnetic phases (essentially metal and magnetite) in these meteorites. In contrast with all the other classes, CM and CV show a wide range of magnetic mineral content, with a two orders of magnitude variation of χ. Whether this is due to primary parent body differences, metamorphism or alteration, remains unclear. C3–4 and C2 yield similar χ values to the ones shown by CK and CM, respectively. By order of increasing χ, the classes with well‐grouped χ are: R << CO < CK ≈ CI < Kak < CR < E ≈ CH < CB. Based on magnetism, EH and EL classes have indistinguishable metal content. Outliers that we suggest may need to have their classifications reconsidered are Acfer 202 (CO), Elephant Moraine (EET) 96026 (C4–5), Meteorite Hills (MET) 01149, and Northwest Africa (NWA) 521 (CK), Asuka (A)‐88198, LaPaz Icefield (LAP) 031156, and Sahara 98248 (R). χ values can also be used to define affinities of ungrouped chondrites, and propose pairing, particularly in the case of CM and CV meteorites.     

Magnetic study of magnetite in the Tagish Lake meteorite

Abstract— The saturation magnetization, saturation remanent magnetization, the coercive, and remanent coercive force were determined at room and liquid nitrogen temperatures for three pieces of the Tagish Lake meteorite. The results are compared to similar data for four other chondrites (Allende, Murray, Orgueil, and Murchison). The data suggests that the Tagish Lake meteorite is magnetically homogeneous, and is not as magnetically hard as the comparison chondrites. The magnetization measurements indicate that it contains about 10–11% multi‐domain magnetite. Magnetic susceptibility measurements on all the samples from 77 K to room temperature showed a Verwey transition for all the samples which contain a significant amount of multi‐domain magnetite. The coercive force data further indicate that the magnetite in Tagish Lake is multi‐domain and that the grain size is small and approximately 4–9 μm.     

Niobium and tantalum in carbonaceous chondrites: Constraints on the solar system and primitive mantle niobium/tantalum,zirconium/niobium,and niobium/uranium ratio

Abstract— We have determined Nb, Y, and Zr abundances in the carbonaceous chondrites Orgueil (CI), Murray (CM2), Murchison (CM2), Allende (CV3), and Karoonda (CK4), and in the eucrites, Pasamonte and Juvinas, by a recently developed spark source mass spectrometric technique using multiple ion counting (MIC‐SSMS). The abundance of Ta was determined in the same meteorites by radiochemical neutron activation analysis (RNAA). Precision of the MIC‐SSMS and RNAA techniques is ～3% and ≤ 5%, respectively. The new abundances for CI chondrites are: Nb = 0.247, Ta = 0.0142, Zr = 3.86, Y = 1.56 μg/g; or 0.699, 0.0202, 11.2, and 4.64 atoms/10⁶ Si atoms, respectively. The values agree with earlier compilations, but they are a factor of 2 more precise than earlier analyses. Trace element concentrations in the CM, CV, and CK chondrites are higher than in the CI chondrite Orgueil by about 37, 86, and 120%, respectively, in agreement with the variable absolute contents of refractory lithophile elements in different groups of carbonaceous chondrites. Of particular interest are the chondritic Nb/Ta, Zr/Nb, and Nb/U ratios, because these ratios are important tools for interpreting the chemical evolution of planetary bodies. We obtained Nb/Ta = 17.4 ± 0.5 for the carbonaceous chondrites and the Juvinas‐type eucrites investigated. Though this value is similar to previous estimates, it is much more precise. The same is true for Zr/Nb (15.5 ± 0.2) and Zr/Y (2.32 ± 0.12). In combination with recently published MIC‐SSMS U data for carbonaceous chondrites, we obtained a chondritic Nb/U ratio of 29 ± 2. Because Nb, Ta, Zr, Y, and U are refractory lithophile elements and presumably partitioned into the silicate phase of the Earth during core formation, the elemental ratios may also be used to constrain evolution of the Earth's primitive mantle and, with the more precise determinations fractionation of Nb and Ta during magmatic processes and mantle‐crust interactions, can now be interpreted with greater confidence.     

Khatyrka,a new CV3 find from the Koryak Mountains,Eastern Russia

A new meteorite find, named Khatyrka, was recovered from eastern Siberia as a result of a search for naturally occurring quasicrystals. The meteorite occurs as clastic grains within postglacial clay‐rich layers along the banks of a small stream in the Koryak Mountains, Chukotka Autonomous Okrug of far eastern Russia. Some of the grains are clearly chondritic and contain Type IA porphyritic olivine chondrules enclosed in matrices that have the characteristic platy olivine texture, matrix olivine composition, and mineralogy (olivine, pentlandite, nickel‐rich iron‐nickel metal, nepheline, and calcic pyroxene [diopside‐hedenbergite solid solution]) of oxidized‐subgroup CV3 chondrites. A few grains are fine‐grained spinel‐rich calcium‐aluminum‐rich inclusions with mineral oxygen isotopic compositions again typical of such objects in CV3 chondrites. The chondritic and CAI grains contain small fragments of metallic copper‐aluminum‐iron alloys that include the quasicrystalline phase icosahedrite. One grain is an achondritic intergrowth of Cu‐Al metal alloys and forsteritic olivine ± diopsidic pyroxene, both of which have meteoritic (CV3‐like) oxygen isotopic compositions. Finally, some grains consist almost entirely of metallic alloys of aluminum + copper ± iron. The Cu‐Al‐Fe metal alloys and the alloy‐bearing achondrite clast are interpreted to be an accretionary component of what otherwise is a fairly normal CV3 (oxidized) chondrite. This association of CV3 chondritic grains with metallic copper‐aluminum alloys makes Khatyrka a unique meteorite, perhaps best described as a complex CV3 (ox) breccia.     

The iron record of asteroidal processes in carbonaceous chondrites

The valence of iron has been used in terrestrial studies to trace the hydrolysis of primary silicate rocks. Here, we use a similar approach to characterize the secondary processes, namely thermal metamorphism and aqueous alteration, that have affected carbonaceous chondrites. X‐ray absorption near‐edge structure spectroscopy at the Fe‐K‐edge was performed on a series of 36 CM, 9 CR, 10 CV, and 2 CI chondrites. While previous studies have focused on the relative distribution of Fe⁰ with respect to oxidized iron (Fe_ox = Fe²⁺ + Fe³⁺) or the iron distribution in some specific phases (e.g., Urey–Craig diagram; Urey and Craig 1953), our measurements enable us to assess the fractions of iron in each of its three oxidation states: Fe⁰, Fe²⁺, and Fe³⁺. Among the four carbonaceous chondrites groups studied, a correlation between the iron oxidation index (IOI = [2(Fe²⁺) + 3(Fe³⁺)]/[Fe_TOT]) and the hydrogen content is observed. However, within the CM group, for which a progressive alteration sequence has been defined, a conversion of Fe³⁺ to Fe²⁺ is observed with increasing degree of aqueous alteration. This reduction of iron can be explained by an evolution in the mineralogy of the secondary phases. In the case of the few CM chondrites that experienced some thermal metamorphism, in addition to aqueous alteration, a redox memory of the aqueous alteration is present: a significant fraction of Fe³⁺ is present, together with Fe²⁺ and sometimes Fe⁰. From our data set, the CR chondrites show a wider range of IOI from 1.5 to 2.5. In all considered CR chondrites, the three oxidation states of iron coexist. Even in the least‐altered CR chondrites, the fraction of Fe³⁺ can be high (30% for MET 00426). This observation confirms that oxidized iron has been integrated during formation of fine‐grained amorphous material in the matrix (Le Guillou and Brearley 2014; Le Guillou et al. 2015; Hopp and Vollmer 2018). Last, the IOI of CV chondrites does not reflect the reduced/oxidized classification based on metal and magnetite proportions, but is strongly correlated with petrographic types. The valence of iron in CV chondrites therefore appears to be most closely related to thermal history, rather than aqueous alteration, even if these processes can occur together (Krot et al. 2004; Brearley and Krot 2013).     

Type 1 aqueous alteration in CM carbonaceous chondrites: Implications for the evolution of water‐rich asteroids

The CM carbonaceous chondrite meteorites experienced aqueous alteration in the early solar system. They range from mildly altered type 2 to almost completely hydrated type 1 chondrites, and offer a record of geochemical conditions on water‐rich asteroids. We show that CM1 chondrites contain abundant (84–91 vol%) phyllosilicate, plus olivine (4–8 vol%), magnetite (2–3 vol%), Fe‐sulfide (<5 vol%), and calcite (<2 vol%). The CM1/2 chondrites contain phyllosilicate (71–88 vol%), olivine (4–20 vol%), enstatite (2–6 vol%), magnetite (2–3 vol%), Fe‐sulfides (1–2 vol%), and calcite (~1 vol%). As aqueous alteration progressed, the abundance of Mg‐serpentine and magnetite in the CM chondrites increased. In contrast, calcite abundances in the CM1/2 and CM1 chondrites are often depleted relative to the CM2s. The modal data support the model, whereby metal and Fe‐rich matrix were the first components to be altered on the CM parent body(ies), before further hydration attacked the coarser Mg‐rich silicates found in chondrules and fragments. Based on the absence of tochilinite, we suggest that CM1 chondrites experienced increased alteration due to elevated temperatures (>120 °C), although higher water/rock ratios may also have played a role. The modal data provide constraints for interpreting the composition of asteroids and the mineralogy of samples returned from these bodies. We predict that “CM1‐like” asteroids, as has been proposed for Bennu—target for the OSIRIS‐REx mission—will have a high abundance of Mg‐rich phyllosilicates and Fe‐oxides, but be depleted in calcite.     

Lewis Cliff 85332: A unique carbonaceous chondrite

Abstract— Lewis Cliff 85332 (LEW85332) is a highly unequilibrated (type 3.0–3.1) unique carbonaceous chondrite. It resembles CI and “CR” chondrites in its abundance ratios of refractory lithophiles and refractory siderophiles, but differs significantly from these groups in important ways: relative to CI chondrites, LEW85332 has low abundances of Mn, Se, Zn and most volatile siderophiles; relative to “CR” chondrites, LEW85332 has high abundance ratios of Mn and most volatile siderophiles. Although several petrologic characteristics of LEW85332 resemble those of CO chondrites, LEW85332 differs from this group in having lower abundance ratios of refractory lithophiles and higher abundance ratios of common and volatile siderophiles. Chondrules (mean diameter of 170 μm) are smaller than those in CV and CM chondrites and bigger than those in most CO chondrites. Two melilite-rich (Åk 22) fluffy type-A refractory inclusions were observed. Weathering of LEW85332 has resulted in the formation of 6.2 vol.% limonite; 3.9 vol.% metallic Fe-Ni remains. The inferred original metallic Fe-Ni abundance (13–15 wt.%) is very high for a carbonaceous chondrite and is most similar to those of Kainsaz and Colony (both CO3). LEW85332 is a breccia: the one thin section we examined contains (a) ≥ 10 primitive carbonaceous chondrite clasts (with both C1 and C2 affinities) that contain magnetite framboids and platelets, (b) two clasts containing numerous 10-μm-size clusters of troilite grains, and (c) one clast containing small needles of schreibersite embedded in fine-grained silicate matrix. The unique nature of LEW85332 underscores the wide diversity of materials produced in the solar nebula.     

The nanoscale mineralogy of Fe,Ni sulfides in pristine and metamorphosed CM and CM/CI‐like chondrites: Tapping a petrogenetic record

We have sampled sulfide grains from one pristine CM2 chondrite (Yamato [Y‐] 791198), one thermally metamorphosed CM2 chondrite (Y‐793321), and two anomalous, metamorphosed CM/CI‐like chondrites (Y‐86720 and Belgica [B‐] 7904) by the focused ion beam (FIB) technique and studied them by analytical transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Our study aims at exploring the potential of sulfide assemblages and microstructures to decipher processes and conditions of chondrite petrogenesis. Complex exsolution textures of pyrrhotite (crystallographic NC‐type with N ≈ 6), troilite, and pentlandite occur in grains of Y‐791198 and Y‐793321. Additionally, polycrystalline 4C‐pyrrhotite‐pentlandite‐magnetite aggregates occur in Y‐791198, pointing to diverse conditions of gas–solid interactions in the solar nebula. Coarser exsolution textures of Y‐793321 grains indicate higher long‐term average temperatures in the <100 °C range compared to Y‐791198 and other CM chondrites. Sulfide mineralogy of Y‐86720 and B‐7904 is dominated by aggregates of pure troilite and metal, indicating metamorphic equilibration at sulfur fugacities (fS₂) of the iron‐troilite buffer. Absence of magnetite in equilibrium with sulfide and metal in Y‐86720 indicates higher peak temperatures compared with B‐7904, in which coexistence of troilite, metal, and magnetite constrains metamorphic temperature to less than 570 °C. NC‐pyrrhotite occurs in both meteorites as nm‐wide rims on troilite grains and, together with frequent anhydrite, indicates a retrograde metamorphic stage at higher fS₂ slightly above the fayalite‐magnetite‐quartz‐pyrrhotite buffer. Fine‐grained troilite‐olivine intergrowths in both meteorites suggest the pre‐metamorphic presence of tochilinite‐serpentine interlayer phases, pointing to mineralogical CM affinity. Pseudomorphs after euhedral pyrrhotite crystals in Y‐86720 in turn suggest CI affinity as do previously published O isotopic data of both meteorites.     

Petrology and oxygen isotopic compositions of calcium‐aluminum‐rich inclusions in primitive CO3.0‐3.1 chondrites

The petrologic and oxygen isotopic characteristics of calcium‐aluminum‐rich inclusions (CAIs) in CO chondrites were further constrained by studying CAIs from six primitive CO3.0‐3.1 chondrites, including two Antarctic meteorites (DOM 08006 and MIL 090010), three hot desert meteorites (NWA 10493, NWA 10498, and NWA 7892), and the Colony meteorite. The CAIs can be divided into hibonite‐bearing inclusions (spinel‐hibonite spherules, monomineralic grains, hibonite‐pyroxene microspherules, and irregular/nodular objects), grossite‐bearing inclusions (monomineralic grains, grossite‐melilite microspherules, and irregular/nodular objects), melilite‐rich inclusions (fluffy Type A, compact type A, monomineralic grains, and igneous fragments), spinel‐pyroxene inclusions (fluffy objects resembling fine‐grained spinel‐rich inclusions in CV chondrites and nodular/banded objects resembling those in CM chondrites), and pyroxene‐anorthite inclusions. They are typically small (98.4 ± 54.4 µm, 1SD) and comprise 1.54 ± 0.43 (1SD) area% of the host chondrites. Melilite in the hot desert and Colony meteorites was extensively replaced by a hydrated Ca‐Al‐silicate during terrestrial weathering and converted melilite‐rich inclusions into spinel‐pyroxene inclusions. The CAI populations of the weathered COs are very similar to those in CM chondrites, suggesting that complete replacement of melilite by terrestrial weathering, and possibly parent body aqueous alteration, would make the CO CAIs CM‐like, supporting the hypothesis that CO and CM chondrites derive from similar nebular materials. Within the CO3.0‐3.1 chondrites, asteroidal alteration significantly resets oxygen isotopic compositions of CAIs in CO3.1 chondrites (?¹⁷O: ?25 to ?2‰) but left those in CO3.0‐3.05 chondrites mostly unchanged (?¹⁷O: ?25 to ?20‰), further supporting the model whereby thermal metamorphism became evident in CO chondrites of petrologic type ≥3.1. The resistance of CAI minerals to oxygen isotope exchange during thermal metamorphism follows in the order: melilite + grossite < hibonite + anorthite < spinel + diopside + forsterite. Meanwhile, terrestrial weathering destroys melilite without changing the chemical and isotopic compositions of melilite and other CAI minerals.     

The bulk mineralogy,elemental composition,and water content of the Winchcombe CM chondrite fall

On the microscale, the Winchcombe CM carbonaceous chondrite contains a number of lithological units with a variety of degrees of aqueous alteration. However, an understanding of the average hydration state is useful when comparing to other meteorites and remote observations of airless bodies. We report correlated bulk analyses on multiple subsamples of the Winchcombe meteorite, determining an average phyllosilicate fraction petrologic type of 1.2 and an average water content of 11.9 wt%. We show the elemental composition and distribution of iron and iron oxidation state are consistent with measurements from other CM chondrites; however, Winchcombe shows a low Hg concentration of 58.1 ± 0.5 ng g⁻¹. We demonstrate that infrared reflectance spectra of Winchcombe are consistent with its bulk modal mineralogy, and comparable to other CM chondrites with similar average petrologic types. Finally, we also evaluate whether spectral parameters can estimate H/Si ratios and water abundances, finding generally spectral parameters underestimate water abundance compared to measured values.     

Weathering in Antarctic H and CR chondrites: Quantitative analysis through Mössbauer spectroscopy

Abstract— Mössbauer spectroscopy is a very useful tool for identifying ferric iron weathering products in meteorites because of the capability to quantify the relative amounts of ferric iron in them. Mössbauer measurements were made of 33 Antarctic H chondrites (predominately H5) and two paired Antarctic CR chondrites. The primary goals of this study are to determine if Mössbauer spectroscopy can be used to determine which phases are weathering in Antarctic meteorites and if the relative amounts of ferric iron correlate with terrestrial age. Determining which minerals are weathering in ordinary chondrites appears very difficult due to variations in composition for different ordinary chondrites of the same meteorite class and possible problems in preparing homogeneous samples. The analysis of the two paired CR chondrites appears to indicate that metallic iron is predominately weathering to produce ferric iron for this class of meteorite. No correlation is seen between the relative amounts of ferric iron and terrestrial age for ordinary chondrites. One Antarctic H5 chondrite (ALHA77294) with a short ¹⁴C age of 135 ± 200 years from the dating of interior carbonate weathering products does have a relatively low amount of ferric iron, which is consistent with this meteorite being exposed on the surface for a relatively short time.     

Geochemistry of the ungrouped carbonaceous chondrite Tagish Lake,the anomalous CM chondrite Bells,and comparison with CI and CM chondrites

Abstract— I have determined the composition via instrumental neutron activation analysis of a bulk pristine sample of the Tagish Lake carbonaceous chondrite fall, along with bulk samples of the CI chondrite Orgueil and of several CM chondrites. Tagish Lake has a mean of refractory lithophile element/Cr ratios like those of CM chondrites, and distinctly higher than the CI chondrite mean. Tagish Lake exhibits abundances of the moderately volatile lithophile elements Na and K that are slightly higher than those of mean CM chondrites. Refractory through moderately volatile siderophile element abundances in Tagish Lake are like those of CM chondrites. Tagish Lake is distinct from CM chondrites in abundances of the most volatile elements. Mean CI‐normalized Se/Co, Zn/Co and Cs/Co for Tagish Lake are 0.68 ± 0.01, 0.71 ± 0.07 and 0.76 ± 0.02, while for all available CM chondrite determinations, these ratios lie between 0.31 and 0.61, between 0.32 and 0.58, and between 0.39 and 0.74, respectively. Considering petrography, and oxygen isotopic and elemental compositions, Tagish Lake is an ungrouped member of the carbonaceous chondrite clan. The overall abundance pattern is similar to those of CM chondrites, indicating that Tagish Lake and CMs experienced very similar nebular fractionations. Bells is a CM chondrite with unusual petrologic characteristics. Bells has a mean CI‐normalized refractory lithophile element/Cr ratio of 0.96, lower than for any other CM chondrite, but shows CI‐normalized moderately volatile lithophile element/Cr ratios within the ranges of other CM chondrites, except for Na which is low. Iridium, Co, Ni and Fe abundances are like those of CM chondrites, but the moderately volatile siderophile elements, Au, As and Sb, have abundances below the ranges for CM chondrites. Abundances of the moderately volatile elements Se and Zn of Bells are within the CM ranges. Bells is best classified as an anomalous CM chondrite.     

The fate of primary iron sulfides in the CM1 carbonaceous chondrites: Effects of advanced aqueous alteration on primary components

We have carried out a SEM-EPMA-TEM study to determine the textures and compositions of relict primary iron sulfides and their alteration products in a suite of moderately to heavily altered CM1 carbonaceous chondrites. We observed four textural groups of altered primary iron sulfides: (1) pentlandite+phyllosilicate (2P) grains, characterized by pentlandite with submicron lenses of phyllosilicates; (2) pyrrhotite+pentlandite+magnetite (PPM) grains, characterized by pyrrhotite–pentlandite exsolution textures with magnetite veining and secondary pentlandite; (3) pentlandite+serpentine (PS) grains, characterized by relict pentlandite exsolution, serpentine, and secondary pentlandite; and (4) pyrrhotite+pentlandite+magnetite+serpentine (PPMS) grains, characterized by features of both the PPM and PS grains. We have determined that all four groups were initially primary iron sulfides, which formed from crystallization of immiscible sulfide melts within silicate chondrules in the solar nebula. The fact that such different alteration products could result from the same precursor sulfides within even the same meteorite sample further underscores the complexity of the aqueous alteration environment for the CM chondrites. The different alteration reactions for each textural group place constraints on the mechanisms and conditions of alteration with evidence for acidic environments, oxidizing environments, and changing fluid compositions (Ni-bearing and Si-Mg-bearing).     

Secondary calcium-iron-rich minerals in the Bali-like and Allende-like oxidized CV3 chondrites and Allende dark inclusions

Abstract— We have characterized Ca-Fe-rich silicates (salite-hedenbergite pyroxenes (Fs_10–50Wo_45–50), andradite (Ca₃Fe₂Si₃O₁₂), kirschsteinite (CaFeSiO₄), and wollastonite (Ca₃Si₃O₉)) in the type I chondrules and matrices in the Bali-like and Allende-like oxidized CV3 chondrites and Allende dark inclusions. In type I chondrules in the Bali-like CV3 chondrites, metal is oxidized to magnetite; magnetite-sulfide nodules are replaced by Ca-Fe-rich pyroxenes with minor andradite and pure fayalite. We infer that Ca-Fe-rich pyroxenes, andradite, fayalite, magnetite, and phyllosilicates (which occur in mesostases) formed at relatively low temperatures (<300 °C) in the presence of aqueous solutions. Thermodynamic analysis of phase relations in the Si-Fe-Ca-O-H system and large O isotopic fractionation of the coexisting magnetite and fayalite (～20%) (Krot et al., 1998) are consistent with this interpretation. In type I chondrules in the Allende-like CV3 chondrites and dark inclusions, magnetite-sulfide nodules are replaced by Ca-Fe-rich pyroxenes and ferrous olivine; low-Ca pyroxene and forsterite phenocrysts are rimmed and veined by ferrous olivine. It appear that the Ca-Fe-rich pyroxenes predate formation of ferrous olivine; the latter postdates formation of talc and biopyriboles (Brearley, 1997). The Allende dark inclusions are crosscut by Ca-Fe-pyroxene-andradite veins and surrounded by Ca-rich rims that consist of Ca-Fe-rich pyroxenes, andradite, wollastonite, and kirschsteinite. Calcium-rich veins and rims formed after aggregation and lithification of the dark inclusions. The rimmed dark inclusions show zoned depletion in Ca, which is due to a lower abundance of Ca-Fe-rich pyroxenes close to the rim. Calcium was probably leached from the inclusions and redeposited along their edges. We infer that the Allende-like chondrites and dark inclusions experienced similar aqueous alteration to the Bali-like chondrites and were metamorphosed subsequently, which resulted in loss of aqueous solutions and dehydration of phyllosilicates. We conclude that Ca-Fe-rich silicates in the oxidized CV3 chondrites and Allende dark inclusions are secondary and resulted from aqueous fluid-rock interactions during progressive metamorphism of a heterogeneous mixture of hydrous (ices?) and anhydrous materials; the latter were possibly mineralogically similar to the reduced CV3 chondrites.     

Mineralogy,petrography, bulk chemical,iodine-xenon,and oxygen-isotopic compositions of dark inclusions in the reduced CV3 chondrite Efremovka

Abstract— We studied the petrography, mineralogy, bulk chemical, I-Xe, and O-isotopic compositions of three dark inclusions (E39, E53, and E80) in the reduced CV3 chondrite Efremovka. They consist of chondrules, calcium-aluminum-rich inclusions (CAIs), and fine-grained matrix. Primary minerals in chondrules and CAIs are pseudomorphed to various degrees by a mixture largely composed of abundant (>95%), fine-grained (>0.2 μm) fayalitic olivine (Fa_35–42) and minor amounts of chlorite, poorly-crystalline Si-Al-rich material, and chromite; chondrule and CAI shapes and textures are well-preserved. Secondary Ca-rich minerals (Ti-andradite, kirschsteinite, Fe-diopside) are common in chondrule pseudomorphs and matrices in E39 and E80. The degree of replacement increases from E53 to E39 to E80. Fayalitic olivines are heavily strained and contain abundant voids similar to those in incompletely dehydrated phyllosilicates in metamorphosed CM and CI chondrites. Opaque nodules in chondrules consist of Ni- and Co-rich taenite, Co-rich kamacite, and wairauite; sulfides are rare; magnetite is absent. Bulk O-isotopic compositions of E39 and E53 plot in the field of aqueously altered CM chondrites, close to the terrestrial fractionation line; the more heavily altered E39 is isotopically heavier than the less altered E53. The apparent I-Xe age of E53 is 5.4 Ma earlier than Bjurböle and 5.7 ± 2.0 Ma earlier than E39. The I-Xe data are consistent with the most heavily altered dark inclusion, E39 having experienced either longer or later alteration than E53. Bulk lithophile elements in E39 and E53 most closely match those of CO chondrites, except that Ca is depleted and K and As are enriched. Both inclusions are depleted in Se by factors of 3–5 compared to mean CO, CV, CR, or CK chondrites. Zinc in E39 is lower than the mean of any carbonaceous chondrite groups, but in E53 Zn is similar to the means in CO, CV, and CK chondrites. The Efremovka dark inclusions experienced various degrees of aqueous alteration, followed by low degree thermal metamorphism in an asteroidal environment. These processes resulted in preferential oxidation of Fe from opaque nodules and formation of Ni- and Co-rich metal, metasomatic alteration of primary minerals in chondrules and CAIs, and the formation of fayalitic olivine and secondary Ca-Fe-rich minerals. Based on the observed similarities of the alteration mineralization in the Efremovka and Allende dark inclusions, we infer that the latter may have experienced similar alteration processes.     

Progressive alteration in CV3 chondrites: More evidence for asteroidal alteration

Abstract— The oxidized CV3 chondrites can be divided into two major subgroups or lithologies, Bali-like (CV3_oxB) and Allende-like (CV3_oxA), in which chondrules, calcium-aluminum-rich inclusions (CAIs) and matrices show characteristic alteration features (Weisberg et al, 1997; Krot et al, 1997d; Kimura and Ikeda, 1997). The CV3_oxB lithology is present in Bali, Kaba, parts of the Mokoia breccia and, possibly, in Grosnaja and Allan Hills (ALH) 85006. It is characterized by the presence of the secondary low-Ca phyllosilicates (saponite and sodium phlogopite), magnetite, Ni-rich sulfides, fayalite (Fa>₉₀), Ca-Fe-rich pyroxenes (Fs_10–50Wo_45–50) and andradite. Phyllosilicates replace primary Ca-rich minerals in chondrules and CAIs, which suggests mobilization of Ca during aqueous alteration. Magnetite nodules are replaced to various degrees by fayalite, Ca-Fe-rich pyroxenes and minor andradite. Fayalite veins crosscut fine-grained rims around chondrules and extend into the matrix. Thermodynamic analysis of the observed reactions indicates that they could have occurred at relatively low temperatures (<300 °C) in the presence of aqueous solutions. Oxygen isotopic compositions of the coexisting magnetite and fayalite plot close to the terrestrial fractionation line with large Δ¹⁸O_{fayalite-magnetite} fractionation (～20%). We infer that phyllosilicates, magnetite, fayalite, Ca-Fe-rich pyroxenes and andradite formed at relatively low temperatures (<300 °C) by fluid-rock interaction in an asteroidal environment. Secondary fayalite and phyllosilicates are virtually absent in chondrules and CAIs in the CV3_oxA lithology, which is present in Allende and its dark inclusions, Axtell, ALHA81258, ALH 84028, Lewis Cliff (LEW) 86006, and parts of the Mokoia and Vigarano breccias. Instead secondary nepheline, sodalite, and fayalitic olivine are common. Fayalitic olivine in chondrules replaces low-Ca pyroxenes and rims and veins forsterite grains; it also forms coarse lath-shaped grains in matrix. Secondary Ca-Fe-rich pyroxenes are abundant. We infer that the CV3_oxA lithology experienced alteration at higher temperatures than the CV3_oxB lithology. The presence of the reduced and CV3_oxA lithologies in the Vigarano breccia and CV3_oxA and CV3_oXB lithologies in the Mokoia breccia indicates that all CV3 chondrites came from one heterogeneously altered asteroid. The metamorphosed clasts in Mokoia (Krot and Hutcheon, 1997) may be rare samples of the hotter interior of the CV asteroid. We conclude that the alteration features observed in the oxidized CV3 chondrites resulted from the fluid-rock interaction in an asteroid during progressive metamorphism of a heterogeneous mixture of ices and anhydrous materials mineralogically similar to the reduced CV3 chondrites.     

The amino acid and hydrocarbon contents of the Paris meteorite: Insights into the most primitive CM chondrite

The Paris meteorite is one of the most primitive carbonaceous chondrites. It is reported to be the least aqueously altered CM chondrite, and to have experienced only weak thermal metamorphism. We have analyzed for the first time the amino acid and hydrocarbon contents of this pristine meteorite by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS). When plotting the relative amino acids abundances of several CM chondrites according to the increasing hydrothermal scale (petrologic subtypes), from the CM2.7/2.8 Paris to the CM2.0 MET 01070, Paris has the lowest relative abundance of β‐alanine/glycine (0.15), which fits with the relative abundances of β‐alanine/glycine increasing with increasing aqueous alteration for CM chondrites. These results confirm the influence of aqueous alteration on the amino acid abundances and distribution. The amino acid analysis shows that the isovaline detected in this meteorite is racemic (d /l  = 0.99 ± 0.08; l ‐enantiomer excess = 0.35 ± 0.5%; corrected d /l  = 1.03; corrected l ‐enantiomer excess = ?1.4 ± 2.6%). The identified hydrocarbons show that Paris has n‐alkanes ranging from C₁₆ to C₂₅ and 3‐ to 5‐ring nonalkylated polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). The lack of alkylated PAHs in Paris seems to be also related to this low degree of aqueous alteration on its parent body. The extraterrestrial hydrocarbon content, suggested by the absence of any biomarker, may well have a presolar origin. The chemistry of the Paris meteorite may thus be closely related to the early stages of the solar nebula with a contribution from interstellar (molecular cloud) precursors.     

Northwest Africa 8418: The first CV4 chondrite

Northwest Africa (NWA) 8418 is an unusual chondrite whose properties do not exactly match those of any other known chondrite. It has similarities to the CV (Vigarano group), CK (Karoonda group), and CL (Loongana group) chondrites, but its abundance of large calcium-aluminum-rich inclusions (CAIs) and the low NiO content (<0.2 wt%) of its matrix olivine ally it most closely with the CV group. The absence of grossular, monticellite, wollastonite, and sodalite from the alteration products of the CAIs; the magnesium-rich nature of the matrix olivines (Fa₃₈) relative to that of the CV3 chondrites (~Fa₅₀); and the presence of secondary Na-bearing plagioclase and chlorapatite indicate a metamorphic temperature >600 °C. NWA 8418 contains kamacite, taenite, and troilite, and lacks magnetite and pentlandite. We propose that NWA 8418 be reclassified as a reduced CV4 chondrite, which makes it the first CV chondrite of petrologic type 4.     

Reclassification of Hart and Northwest Africa 6047: Criteria for distinguishing between CV and CK3 chondrites

The single parent body model for the CV and CK chondrites (Greenwood et al. 2010 ) was challenged by Dunn et al. ( 2016a ), who argued that magnetite compositions could not be reconciled by a single metamorphic sequence (i.e., CV3 → CK3 → CK4–6). Cr isotopic compositions, which are distinguishable between the CV and CK chondrites, also support two different parent bodies (Yin et al. 2017 ). Despite this, there are many petrographic and mineralogical similarities between the unequilibrated (petrologic type 3) CK chondrites and the CV chondrites (also type 3), which may result in misclassification of samples. Hart and Northwest Africa 6047 (NWA 6047) are an excellent example of this. In this study, we revisit the classification of Hart and NWA 6047 using magnetite compositions, petrography, and compositions of olivine, the most ubiquitous mineral in both CV and CK chondrites. Not only do our results suggest that NWA 6047 and Hart were misclassified, but our assessment of CV and CK3 chondrites has also led to the development of criteria that can be used to distinguish between CV and CK3 chondrites. These criteria include: abundances of Cr₂O₃, TiO₂, NiO, and Al₂O₃ in magnetite; Fa content and NiO abundance of matrix olivine; FeO content of chondrules; and the chondrule:matrix ratio. Classification as a CV chondrite is also supported by the presence of igneous chondrule rims, calcium‐aluminum‐rich inclusions, and an elongated petrofabric. However, none of these petrographic characteristics can be used conclusively to distinguish between CV and CK3 chondrites.