The condensation and fractionation of refractory lithophile elements

It has long been recognized that Cr, Mg, and Si are fractionated in chondritic material along with, but to a much lesser extent than, a large group of more refractory elements. Reasoning that this might imply some unique distribution at the time of fractionation, the patterns have been reexamined. It now appears as if two distinct fractionation patterns can be resolved: one involving ordinary and enstatite chondrites and the other involving carbonaceous chondrites, the Earth, the Moon, and the eucrite parent body. Significantly, the two trends inevitably intersect at C1 composition. Ordinary and enstatite chondrites appear to have evolved from C1 composition via the removal of about 40 and 56% of a high-temperature condensate. Another high-temperature condensate, with a distinctly different composition, appears to be enriched in the carbonaceous chondrites, the Moon, and possibly the Earth, but depleted in the eucrite parent body. The compositions of these two components are constrained to fall on the appropriate mixing lines. These lines intersect the condensation path at two points, one where Mg₂SiO₄ has just begun to condense (～20%) and a second where Mg₂SiO₄ was almost completely condensed (～90%). This represents about an 80° temperature difference. But it is within this range that the largest fraction of planetary matter (Mg, Si, and Fe) condenses. Conceivably the relatively sudden appearance of large amounts of condensed material is in some way related to the fractionation process, although the exact relationship cannot be specified.     

Synchrotron‐based infrared microspectroscopy as a useful tool to study hydration states of meteorite constituents

Abstract— We present the results of the infrared (IR) microscopic study of the anomalous carbonaceous chondrites Dhofar (Dho) 225 and Dhofar 735 in comparison to typical CM2 chondrites Cold Bokkeveld, Murray, and Mighei. The Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) 2.5–14 μm reflectance measurements were performed on conventional polished sections using an infrared microscope with a synchrotron radiation source. We demonstrate that the synchrotron‐based IR microspectroscopy is a useful, nondestructive tool for studying hydration states of meteorite constituents in situ. Our results show that the matrices of Dho 225 and Dho 735 are dehydrated compared to the matrices of typical CM2 chondrites. The spectra of the Dho 225 and Dho 735 matrices lack the 2.7–2.8 μm absorption feature present in the spectra of Cold Bokkeveld, Murray, and Mighei. Spectral signatures caused by Si‐O vibrations in fine‐grained, Fe‐rich olivines dominate the 10 μm spectral region in the spectra of Dho 225 and Dho 735 matrices, while the spectra of normal CM2 chondrites are dominated by spectral signatures due to Si‐O vibrations in phyllosilicates. We did not detect any hydrated phases in the spectra of Dho 225 and Dho 735 polished sections. In addition, the near‐infrared reflectance spectra of Dho 225 and Dho 735 bulk powders show spectral similarities to the Antarctic metamorphosed carbonaceous chondrites. We confirm the results of previous mineralogical, chemical, and isotopic studies indicating that the two meteorites from Oman are the first non‐Antarctic metamorphosed carbonaceous chondrites.     

The solar system abundances of phosphorus and titanium and the nebular volatility of phosphorus

Abstract— The bulk chemical composition of Orgueil and 25 other carbonaceous chondrites was determined by x‐ray fluorescence analysis. The sample sizes of the analyzed meteorites were in all cases 120 mg. The abundances of P and Ti in Orgueil and Ivuna were precisely determined by the standard addition method. The new P CI abundance is 926 ± 65 ppm. Excluding the low P of Ivuna and one Orgueil sample with unusual chemistry gives a CI P content of 930 ± 23 ppm. A CI abundance of 926 ppm corresponds to a P/Si wt ratio of 8.66 times 10^?3 (atomic ratio 7.85 times 10^?3). For Ti a CI content of 458 ± 18 ppm and a Ti/Si wtratio of 4.28 times 10^?3 (atomic ratio 2.51 times 10^?3) were found. A Si content of 10.69% was obtained for average CI. The new P CI abundance is 20 to 30% below earlier estimates, while the Ti CI abundance is in agreement with earlier determinations. From the results of the analyses of bulk carbonaceous chondrites it is concluded: (1) Refractory element/Mg ratios increase from CI through CM and C3O to C3V, but ratios among Al, Ca and Ti are constant, except for low Ca/Al ratios in the reduced subgroup of C3V. (2) The Si/Mg ratios are constant in all groups of carbonaceous chondrites. (3) There is a volatility related depletion of Cr and Fe, but the Cr/Fe ratios are constant. (4) The sequence of volatility related depletions of the moderately volatile elements P, Au, As, Mn, and Zn follows condensation temperatures (except for As), if in condensation calculations non‐ideal solid solution in the host phase is considered.     

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.     

Perceptive of the pyroxene-bearing micrometeorites and their relation to chondrites

We studied 149 pyroxenes from 69 pyroxene-bearing micrometeorites collected from deep-sea sediments of the Indian Ocean and South Pole Water Well at Antarctica, Amundsen-Scott South Pole station. The minor elements in pyroxenes from micrometeorites are present in the ranges as follows: MnO ~0.0–0.4 wt%, Al₂O₃ ~0.0–1.5 wt%, CaO ~0.0–1.0 wt%, Cr₂O₃ ~0.3–0.9 wt%, and FeO ~0.5–4 wt%. Their chemical compositions suggest that pyroxene-bearing micrometeorites are mostly related to precursors from carbonaceous chondrites rather than ordinary chondrites. The Fe/(Fe+Mg) ratio of the pyroxenes and olivines in micrometeorites shows similarities to carbonaceous chondrites with values lying between 0 and 0.2, and those with values beyond this range are dominated by ordinary chondrites. Atmospheric entry of the pyroxene-bearing micrometeorites is expected to have a relatively low entry velocity of <16 km s⁻¹ and high zenith angle (70–90°) to preserve their chemical compositions. In addition, similarities in the pyroxene and olivine mineralogical compositions between carbonaceous chondrites and cometary particles suggest that dust in the solar system is populated by materials from different sources that are chemically similar to each other. Our results on pyroxene chemical compositions reveal significant differences with those from ordinary chondrites. The narrow range in olivine and pyroxene chemical compositions are similar to those from carbonaceous chondrites, and a small proportion to ordinary chondrites indicates that dust is largely sourced from carbonaceous chondrite-type bodies.     

Magnesium isotopic fractionation in chondrules from the Murchison and Murray CM2 carbonaceous chondrites

We present high‐precision measurements of the Mg isotopic compositions of a suite of types I and II chondrules separated from the Murchison and Murray CM2 carbonaceous chondrites. These chondrules are olivine‐ and pyroxene‐rich and have low ²⁷Al/²⁴Mg ratios (0.012–0.316). The Mg isotopic compositions of Murray chondrules are on average lighter (δ²⁶Mg ranging from ?0.95‰ to ?0.15‰ relative to the DSM‐3 standard) than those of Murchison (δ²⁶Mg ranging from ?1.27‰ to +0.77‰). Taken together, the CM2 chondrules exhibit a narrower range of Mg isotopic compositions than those from CV and CB chondrites studied previously. The least‐altered CM2 chondrules are on average lighter (average δ²⁶Mg = ?0.39 ± 0.30‰, 2SE) than the moderately to heavily altered CM2 chondrules (average δ²⁶Mg = ?0.11 ± 0.21‰, 2SE). The compositions of CM2 chondrules are consistent with isotopic fractionation toward heavy Mg being associated with the formation of secondary silicate phases on the CM2 parent body, but were also probably affected by volatilization and recondensation processes involved in their original formation. The low‐Al CM2 chondrules analyzed here do not exhibit any mass‐independent variations in ²⁶Mg from the decay of ²⁶Al, with the exception of two chondrules that show only small variations just outside of the analytical error. In the case of the chondrule with the highest Al/Mg ratio (a type IAB chondrule from Murchison), the lack of resolvable ²⁶Mg excess suggests that it either formed >1 Ma after calcium‐aluminum‐rich inclusions, or that its Al‐Mg isotope systematics were reset by secondary alteration processes on the CM2 chondrite parent body after the decay of ²⁶Al.     

Mineral compositions in Antarctic and Greenland micrometeorites

Abstract— The mineral compositions of 250 micrometeorites have been studied and olivines and low-calcium pyroxenes with crystals larger than 5 μm have been analyzed. While magnesium-rich grains dominate, the Fa content of olivine may reach 50% and the Fs content of pyroxene may reach 26%. The Ca and Mn of the olivine show no consistent trends with increasing Fe, but Cr shows a negative correlation. For low-Ca pyroxene, Al and Cr contents are generally higher than in pyroxenes of equilibrated chondrites but similar to those of highly unequilibrated chondrites. Calcium-bearing pyroxene, feldspar and chromite are rare in the micrometeorites which were selected because of their high Mg, Si, Fe and their low Ca and Al content. All these minerals are found as coarse-grained particles often with adhering iron-rich scoria or as clasts in fine-grained or scoriaceous micrometeorites. Apart from a few particles which could be the debris of ordinary chondrites, most micrometeorites probably come from a common source similar, but not identical to carbonaceous chondrites, as shown by their lower Ni and S content and their different oxygen isotopic composition assuming two measurements performed on olivine grains prove to be typical.     

Chemical abundances determined from meteor spectra: I. Ratios of the main chemical elements

Abstract— Relative chemical abundances of 13 meteoroids were determined by averaging the composition of the radiating gas along the fireball path that originated during their penetration into the Earth's atmosphere. Mg, Fe, Ni, Cr, Mn, and Co abundances, relative to Si, are similar to those reported for CI and CM carbonaceous chondrites and interplanetary dust particles. In contrast, relative abundances of Ca and Ti in meteor spectra indicate that these elements suffer incomplete evaporation processes. The chemical composition of all meteoroids studied in this work differs from that of 1P/Halley dust.     

ELEMENTAL ABUNDANCES IN STONE METEORITES

Abundances of Na, Al, Sc, Cr, Mn, Fe, Co and Cu have been measured by instrumental neutron activation analyses of 103 chondrites and 17 achondrites. In many cases, analyses were made of replicate samples from the same meteorite. Various sources of error in the method, including sampling errors, are discussed in detail. Examination of the patterns of coherence of the elements we have determined suggests that we can perceive effects of fractionation during condensation from the solar nebula of matter parental to chondrites. Such effects seem to be exhibited both in the abundances of lithophilic elements, perhaps being related to varied temperatures of accretion and in the abundances of those elements which would be affected by metal-silicate fractionation in the solar nebula. Atomic abundances relative to Si vary little in carbonaceous chondrites, suggesting that efficient mixing processes operated on these meteorites prior to or during their formation. We suggest that at present, no single class of carbonaceous chondrites is clearly more primitive than another. Carbonaceous and unequilibrated ordinary chondrites may represent aggregates of material accreted from the solar nebula at relatively low temperatures, as many recent discussions of these meteorites would suggest. Our data support a model of equilibration and minor mobilization of non-volatile elements within small domains of chondrites after accretion. Such a model would be consistent with the petrologic types of Van Schmus and Wood (1967). Achondrites do not exhibit simple regularities in lithophilic elemental abundances as do chondrites. Models for the origins of achondrites surely must include effects of magmatic fractionation, but we do not at present have enough information to assess the plausibility of such models.     

Mineralogy,chemistry, and oxygen isotopes of refractory inclusions from stratospheric interplanetary dust particles and micrometeorites

Abstract— Calcium, aluminum-rich inclusions (CAIs) are characteristic components in carbonaceous chondrites. Their mineralogy is dominated by refractory oxides and silicates like corundum, perovskite, spinel, hibonite, melilite, and Ca-pyroxene, which are predicted to be the first phases to have condensed from the cooling solar nebula. Allowing insights into processes occurring in the early solar system, CAIs in carbonaceous and ordinary chondrites were studied in great detail, whereas only a few refractory inclusions were found and studied in stratospheric interplanetary dust particles (IDPs) and micrometeorites. This study gives a summary of all previous studies on refractory inclusions in stratospheric IDPs and micrometeorites and will present new data on two Antarctic micrometeorites. The main results are summarized as follows: (a) Eight stratospheric IDPs and six micrometeorites contain Ca, Al-rich inclusions or refractory minerals. The constituent minerals include spinel, perovskite, fassaite, hibonite, melilite, corundum, diopside and anorthite. (b) Four of the seven obtained rare-earth-element (REE) patterns from refractory objects in stratospheric IDPs and micrometeorites are related to Group III patterns known from refractory inclusions from carbonaceous chondrites. A Group II related pattern was found for spinel and perovskite in two micrometeorites. The seventh REE pattern for an orthopyroxene is unique and can be explained by fractionation of Gd, Lu, and Tb at highly reducing conditions. (c) The O-isotopic compositions of most refractory objects in stratospheric IDPs and micrometeorites are similar to those of constituents from carbonaceous chondrites and fall on the carbonaceous chondrites anhydrous minerals mixing line. In fact, in most cases, in terms of mineralogy, REE pattern and O-isotopic composition of refractory inclusions in stratospheric IDPs and micrometeorites are in good agreement with a suggested genetic relation of dust particles and carbonaceous chondrites. Only in the case of one Antarctic micrometeorite does the REE pattern obtained for an orthopyroxene point to a link of this particle to enstatite chondrites.     

Heavily metamorphosed clasts from the CV chondrite breccias Mokoia and Yamato‐86009

Abstract– Metamorphosed clasts in the CV carbonaceous chondrite breccias Mokoia and Yamato‐86009 (Y‐86009) are coarse‐grained, granular, polymineralic rocks composed of Ca‐bearing (up to 0.6 wt% CaO) ferroan olivine (Fa_34–39), ferroan Al‐diopside (Fs_9–13Wo_47–50, approximately 2–7 wt% Al₂O₃), plagioclase (An_37–84Ab_63–17), Cr‐spinel (Cr/(Cr + Al) = 0.19–0.45, Fe/(Fe + Mg) = 0.60–0.79), nepheline, pyrrhotite, pentlandite, Ca‐phosphate, and rare grains of Ni‐rich taenite; low‐Ca pyroxene is absent. Most clasts have triple junctions between silicate grains, indicative of prolonged thermal annealing. Based on the olivine‐spinel and pyroxene thermometry, the estimated metamorphic temperature recorded by the clasts is approximately 1100 K. Few clasts experienced thermal metamorphism to a lower degree and preserved chondrule‐like textures. The Mokoia and Y‐86009 clasts are mineralogically unique and different from metamorphosed chondrites of known groups (H, L, LL, R, EH, EL, CO, CK) and primitive achondrites (acapulcoites, brachinites, lodranites). On a three‐isotope oxygen diagram, compositions of olivine in the clasts plot along carbonaceous chondrite anhydrous mineral line and the Allende mass‐fractionation line, and overlap with those of the CV chondrule olivines; the Δ¹⁷O values of the clasts range from about ?4.3‰ to ?3.0‰. We suggest that the clasts represent fragments of the CV‐like material that experienced metasomatic alteration, high‐temperature metamorphism, and possibly melting in the interior of the CV parent asteroid. The lack of low‐Ca pyroxene in the clasts could be due to its replacement by ferroan olivine during iron‐alkali metasomatic alteration or by high‐Ca ferroan pyroxene during melting under oxidizing conditions.     

Iron‐rich aureoles in the CM carbonaceous chondrites Murray,Murchison, and Allan Hills 81002: Evidence for in situ aqueous alteration

Abstract— Iron‐rich aureoles in CM carbonaceous chondrites are previously unidentified domains of aqueously altered matrix material, whose FeO content may exceed that of the surrounding matrix by up to more than 15 wt%. We describe the petrography and mineralogy of these objects in the CM chondrites Murray, Murchison, and Allan Hills (ALH) 81002. The size of Fe‐rich aureoles ranges from a few hundred microns to several millimeters in diameter and appears to be a function of the degree of alteration of the host chondrite. The origin of Fe‐rich aureoles is related to the alteration of large metal grains that has resulted in the formation of characteristic PCP‐rich reaction products that are frequently observed at the centers of the aureoles. This suggests that Fe‐rich aureoles in CM chondrites are the result of the mobilization of Fe from altering metal grains into the matrix. The fact that Fe‐rich aureoles enclose numerous chondritic components such as chondrules, calcium‐aluminum‐rich inclusions (CAIs), and mineral fragments, as well as their radial symmetric appearance, are strong evidence that they formed in situ and that significant directional fluid flow was not involved in the alteration process. This and additional constraints, such as the distribution of S and other elements, as well as the inferred alteration conditions, are consistent with in situ parent‐body alteration. The observations are, however, entirely incompatible with preaccretionary alteration models in which the individual CM chondrite components have experienced diverse alteration histories. The presence of numerous intact aureoles in the brecciated CM chondrites Murray and Murchison further suggests that the alteration occurred largely after brecciation affected these meteorites. Therefore, the progressive aqueous alteration of CM chondrites may not be necessarily coupled to brecciation as has been previously proposed.     

Ferrous silicate spherules with euhedral iron‐nickel metal grains from CH carbonaceous chondrites: Evidence for supercooling and condensation under oxidizing conditions

Abstract— The CH carbonaceous chondrites contain a population of ferrous (Fe/(Fe + Mg) ? 0.1‐0.4) silicate spherules (chondrules), about 15–30 μm in apparent diameter, composed of cryptocrystalline olivinepyroxene normative material, ±SiO₂‐rich glass, and rounded‐to‐euhedral Fe, Ni metal grains. The silicate portions of the spherules are highly depleted in refractory lithophile elements (CaO, Al₂O₃, and TiO₂ <0.04 wt%) and enriched in FeO, MnO, Cr₂O₃, and Na₂O relative to the dominant, volatile‐poor, magnesian chondrules from CH chondrites. The Fe/(Fe + Mg) ratio in the silicate portions of the spherules is positively correlated with Fe concentration in metal grains, which suggests that this correlation is not due to oxidation, reduction, or both of iron (FeO_sil ? Fe_met) during melting of metal‐silicate solid precursors. Rather, we suggest that this is a condensation signature of the precursors formed under oxidizing conditions. Each metal grain is compositionally uniform, but there are significant intergrain compositional variations: about 8–18 wt% Ni, <0.09 wt% Cr, and a sub‐solar Co/Ni ratio. The precursor materials of these spherules were thus characterized by extreme elemental fractionations, which have not been observed in chondritic materials before. Particularly striking is the fractionation of Ni and Co in the rounded‐to‐euhedral metal grains, which has resulted in a Co/Ni ratio significantly below solar. The liquidus temperatures of the euhedral Fe, Ni metal grains are lower than those of the coexisting ferrous silicates, and we infer that the former crystallized in supercooled silicate melts. The metal grains are compositionally metastable; they are not decomposed into taenite and kamacite, which suggests fast postcrystallization cooling at temperatures below 970 K and lack of subsequent prolonged thermal metamorphism at temperatures above 400–500 K.     

CHEMICAL VARIATIONS AMONG L-GROUP CHONDRITES,III. MAJOR ELEMENT VARIATION IN L6 CHONDRITES

Bulk chemical and mineral analyses of five L6 chondrites of shock facies d to f bring the number of L6 falls analyzed by Jarosewich to 20 and enable us: 1) to examine the chemical effects of shock melting in chondrites of the same petrologic type that presumably sample a limited stratigraphic range in their parent body; and 2) to seek depth-related chemical variations by comparing the compositions of L3 and melt-free L6 chondrites. The mean Fe/Mg, Si/Mg, S/Mg and Ni/Mg ratios of melt-free L6 chondrites (shock facies a to c) are virtually identical to those of L3 chondrites, suggesting that L-group material had the same bulk composition early (L6) and late (L3) in the accretion of the parent body. Wider variations of S/Mg and Ni/Mg in L6 chondrites may signify that L6 material was less well mixed than L3, or that some mobilization of metal and troilite occurred at shock intensities (facies c) too low to melt silicates. L6 chondrites that experienced shock melting of silicates (facies d to f) show wide variations of Fe/Mg, Si/Mg, S/Mg and Ni/Mg. It appears that most of the major element variation in the L-group is tertiary (shock-related) rather than primary (nebular, accretionary) or secondary (metamorphic). There is some evidence that L-group chondrites comprise two subgroups with different Fe/S ratios, but these subgroups are now poorly defined and their significance is unknown.     

Dhofar 225 and Dhofar 735: Relationship to CM2 chondrites and metamorphosed carbonaceous chondrites,Belgica‐7904 and Yamato‐86720

Abstract– Dhofar (Dho) 225 and Dho 735 are carbonaceous chondrites found in a hot desert and having affinities to Belgica‐like Antarctic chondrites (Belgica [B‐] 7904 and Yamato [Y‐] 86720). Texturally they resemble CM2 chondrites, but differ in mineralogy, bulk chemistry and oxygen isotopic compositions. The texture and main mineralogy of Dho 225 and Dho 735 are similar to the CM2 chondrites, but unlike CM2 chondrites they do not contain any (P, Cr)‐sulfides, nor tochilinite 6Fe_0.9S*5(Fe,Mg)(OH)₂. H₂O‐contents of Dho 225 and Dho 735 (1.76 and 1.06 wt%) are lower than those of CM2 chondrites (2–18 wt%), but similar to those in the metamorphosed carbonaceous chondrites of the Belgica‐like group. Bulk compositions of Dho 225 and Dho 735, as well as their matrices, have low Fe and S and low Fe/Si ratios relative to CM2 chondrites. X‐ray powder diffraction patterns of the Dho 225 and Dho 735 matrices showed similarities to laboratory‐heated Murchison CM2 chondrite and the transformation of serpentine to olivine. Dho 225 and 735’s oxygen isotopic compositions are in the high ¹⁸O range on the oxygen diagram, close to the Belgica‐like meteorites. This differs from the oxygen isotopic compositions of typical CM2 chondrites. Experimental results showed that the oxygen isotopic compositions of Dho 225 and Dhofar 725, could not be derived from those of typical CM2 chondrites via dehydration caused by thermal metamorphism. Dho 225 and Dho 735 may represent a group of chondrites whose primary material was different from typical CM2 chondrites and the Belgica‐like meteorites, but they formed in an oxygen reservoir similar to that of the Belgica‐like meteorites.     

Petrology and mineralogy of the Ningqiang carbonaceous chondrite

Abstract— We report detailed chemical, petrological, and mineralogical studies on the Ningqiang carbonaceous chondrite. Ningqiang is a unique ungrouped type 3 carbonaceous chondrite. Its bulk composition is similar to that of CV and CK chondrites, but refractory lithophile elements (1.01 × CI) are distinctly depleted relative to CV (1.29 × CI) and CK (1.20 × CI) chondrites. Ningqiang consists of 47.5 vol% chondrules, 2.0 vol% Ca,Al‐rich inclusions (CAIs), 4.5 vol% amoeboid olivine aggregates (AOAs), and 46.0 vol% matrix. Most chondrules (95%) in Ningqiang are Mg‐rich. The abundances of Fe‐rich and Al‐rich chondrules are very low. Al‐rich chondrules (ARCs) in Ningqiang are composed mainly of olivine, plagioclase, spinel, and pyroxenes. In ARCs, spinel and plagioclase are enriched in moderately volatile elements (Cr, Mn, and Na), and low‐Ca pyroxenes are enriched in refractory elements (Al and Ti). The petrology and mineralogy of ARCs in Ningqiang indicate that they were formed from hybrid precursors of ferromagnesian chondrules mixed with refractory materials during chondrule formation processes. We found 294 CAIs (55.0% type A, 39.5% spinel‐pyroxene‐rich, 4.4% hibonite‐rich, and several type C and anorthite‐spinel‐rich inclusions) and 73 AOAs in 15 Ningqiang sections (equivalent to 20 cm²surface area). This is the first report of hibonite‐rich inclusions in Ningqiang. They are texturally similar to those in CM, CH, and CB chondrites, and exhibit three textural forms: aggregates of euhedral hibonite single crystals, fine‐grained aggregates of subhedral hibonite with minor spinel, and hibonite ± Al,Ti‐diopside ± spinel spherules. Evidence of secondary alteration is ubiquitous in Ningqiang. Opaque assemblages, formed by secondary alteration of pre‐existing alloys on the parent body, are widespread in chondrules and matrix. On the other hand, nepheline and sodalite, existing in all chondritic components, formed by alkali‐halogen metasomatism in the solar nebula.     

CHEMICAL COMPOSITION AND CLASSIFICATION OF 19 YAMATO METEORITES

The elements Na, Mg, Al, Si, S, K, Ca, (V), Cr, Mn, Fe, Co and Ni have been determined in 19 Yamato meteorites by spark source mass spectrometry. For comparison the chondrites Allan Hills 7603, Mt Baldr (b) and Holbrook and the achondrites Johnstown, Pasamonte and Stannern also have been analyzed by the same method. By virtue of their chemical composition the Yamato meteorites 74002 and 74144 prove to be ordinary chondrites of type L; 74001, 74103, 74155 and 74156 are ordinary chondrites of type H; 74662 is a carbonaceous chondrite; Yamato 74010, 74011, 74016, 74037, 74097, 74125 and 74136 are diogenites; Yamato 7308(1) is a howardite; and Yamato 74450 is a eucrite. This agrees with earlier classifications based on petrological and mineralogical arguments (Nagata, 1978; Motylewski, 1978). For the chondrites Yamato 74002, 74106, 74144 and the diogenite 74125, however, no previous classifications could be found in the literature. In a Mg-Al diagram the eucrites, the howardites, the diogenites and the ureilites fall into characteristic fields. This enabled not only the classification of the Yamato achondrites investigated in this paper but also confirmed the previous identification of Yamato 74123 as a ureilite (Hintenberger et al., 1978). A very high chromium content is characteristic of some Yamato diogenites, especially Yamato 74037 (3.4%). Chromium and vanadium are positively correlated in the achondrites investigated.     

THE CARBONACEOUS CHONDRITES—A SELECTIVE REVIEW

The presently known carbonaceous chondrites are listed, and their densities and contents of Fe, Si, and Mg recorded. A review of classification schemes indicate that Wiik's (1956) division into Types I, II, and III reflects basic differences in chemical and mineralogical composition and structure, and is preferable to the Van Schmus-Wood (1967) classification into C1, C2, C3, and C4 types. Renazzo is a Type II meteorite. The Van Schmus division of Type III meteorites into two subtypes is sustained, and is shown to involve not only textural differences but also differences in total iron content. The genesis of the different types of carbonaceous chondrites is ascribed to condensation in different temperature regions within the early solar nebula.     

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.     

Major element fractionation in chondrites by distillation in the accretion disk of a T Tauri Sun?

Abstract— Redistribution or loss of batches of condensate from a cooling protosolar nebula is generally thought to have led to the formation of the chemical groups of chondrites. This demands a nebula hot enough for silicate vaporization over 1–3 AU, the region where chondrites formed. Alternatively, heating of a protosolar accretion disk may have been confined to an annular zone at its inner edge, ?0.06 AU from the protosun. Most infalling matter was accreted by the protosun, but a proportion was heated and carried outwards by an x‐wind. Shu et al. (1996, 1997) proposed that larger objects such as chondrules and calcium‐aluminum‐rich inclusions (CAIs) were returned to the disk at asteroidal distances by sedimentation from the x‐wind. Fine dust and gas were lost to space. The model implies that solids were not lost from the cold disk. The chemical compositions of the chondrite groups were produced by mixing different proportions of CAIs and chondrules with disk solids of CI composition. Heating at the inner edge of the disk was accompanied by particle irradiation, which synthesized nuclides including ²⁶Al. The x‐wind model can produce CAIs, not chondrules, and allows survival of presolar grains >0.06 AU from the protosun. Normalization to Al and CI indicates that non‐carbonaceous chondrites may be disk material that gained a Si‐ and Mg‐enriched fraction. Carbonaceous chondrites are different; they appear to be CI that lost lithophile elements more volatile than Ca. Five carbonaceous chondrite groups also lost Ni and Fe but the CH group gained siderophiles. Elemental loss from CI is incompatible with the x‐wind model. Silicon and CI normalization confirms that the CM, CO, CK and CV groups may be CI that gained refractories as CAIs. The Si‐, Mg‐rich fraction may have formed by selective vaporization followed by precipitation on grains in the x‐wind. This fractional distillation mechanism can account for lithophile element abundances in non‐carbonaceous chondrite groups, but an additional process is required for the loss of Ca and Mn in the EL group and for fractionated siderophile abundances in the H, L and LL groups. Heated and recycled fractions were not homogenized across the disk so the chondrite groups were established in a single cycle of enhanced protosolar activity in lt;10⁴ years, the time for a millimeter‐sized particle to drift into the Sun from 2 to 3 AU, due to gas‐drag.