Neon produced by solar cosmic rays in ordinary chondrites

Solar‐cosmic‐ray‐produced Ne (SCR‐Ne), in the form of low cosmogenic ²¹Ne/²²Ne ratios (²¹Ne/²²Ne_cos <0.8), is more likely to be found in rare meteorite classes, like Martian meteorites, than in ordinary chondrites. This may be the result of a sampling bias: SCR‐Ne is better preserved in meteorites with small preatmospheric radii and these specimens are often only studied if they belong to unusual or rare classes. We measured He and Ne isotopic concentrations and nuclear tracks in 25 small unpaired ordinary chondrites from Oman. Most chondrites have been intensively heated during atmospheric entry as evidenced by the disturbed track records, the low ³He/²¹Ne ratios, the low ⁴He concentrations, and the high peak release temperatures. Concentration depth profiles indicate significant degassing; however, the Ne isotopes are mainly undisturbed. Remarkably, six chondrites have low ²¹Ne/²²Ne_cos in the range 0.711–0.805. Using a new physical model for the calculation of SCR production rates, we show that four of the chondrites contain up to ~20% of SCR‐Ne; they are analyzed in terms of preatmospheric sizes, cosmic ray exposure ages, mass ablation losses, and orbits. We conclude that SCR‐Ne is preserved, regardless of the meteorite class, in specimens with small preatmospheric radii. Sampling bias explains the predominance of SCR‐Ne in rare meteorites, although we cannot exclude that SCR‐Ne is more common in Martian meteorites than it is in small ordinary chondrites.     

The iodine‐xenon system in clasts and chondrules from ordinary chondrites: Implications for early solar system chronology

Abstract— We have studied the I‐Xe system in chondrules and clasts from ordinary chondrites. Cristobalite‐bearing clasts from Parnallee (LL3.6) closed to Xe loss 1–4 Ma after Bjurböle. Feline (a feldspar‐ and nepheline‐rich clast also from Parnallee) closed at 7.04 ± 0.15 Ma. Two out of three chondrules from Parnallee that yielded well‐defined initial I ratios gave ages identical to Bjurböle's within error. A clast from Barwell (L6) has a well‐defined initial I ratio corresponding to closure 3.62 ± 0.60 Ma before Bjurböle. Partial disturbance and complete obliteration of the I‐Xe system by shock are revealed in clasts from Julesburg (L3.6) and Quenggouk (H4), respectively. Partial disturbance by shock is capable of generating anomalously high initial I ratios. In some cases, these could be misinterpreted, yielding erroneous ages. A macrochondrule from Isoulane‐n‐Amahar contains concentrations of I similar to “ordinary” chondrules but, unlike most ordinary chondrules, contains no radiogenic ¹²⁹Xe. This requires resetting 50 Ma or more later than most chondrules. The earliest chondrule ages in the I‐Xe, Mn‐Cr, and Al‐Mg systems are in reasonable agreement. This, and the frequent lack of evidence for metamorphism capable of resetting the I‐Xe chronometer, leads us to conclude that (at least) the earliest chondrule I‐Xe ages represent formation. If so, chondrule formation took place at a time when sizeable parent bodies were present in the solar system.     

Analysis of ordinary chondrites using powder X‐ray diffraction: 1. Modal mineral abundances

Abstract– Powder X‐ray diffraction (XRD) is used to quantify the modal abundances (in wt%) of 18 H, 17 L, and 13 LL unbrecciated ordinary chondrite falls, which represents the complete petrologic range of equilibrated ordinary chondrites (types 4–6). The XRD technique presents an effective alternative to traditional methods for determining modal abundances, such as optical point counting and electron microprobe phase (EMP) mapping. The majority of chondrite powders in this study were previously prepared for chemical characterization from 8 to 20 g of material, which is consistent with the suggested mass (10 g) necessary to provide representative sampling of ordinary chondrites. Olivine and low‐Ca pyroxene are the most abundant phases present, comprising one‐half to three‐fourths of total abundances, while plagioclase, high‐Ca pyroxene, troilite, and metal comprise the remaining XRD‐measured mineralogy. Pigeonite may also be present in some samples, but it is fitted using a high‐Ca pyroxene standard, so exact abundances cannot be measured directly using XRD. Comparison of XRD‐measured abundances with calculated Cross, Iddings, Pirsson, Washington (CIPW) normative abundances indicates that systematic discrepancies exist between these two data sets, particularly in olivine and high‐Ca pyroxene. This discrepancy is attributed to the absence of pigeonite as a possible phase in the CIPW normative mineralogy. Oxides associated with pigeonite are improperly allocated, resulting in overestimated normative olivine abundances and underestimated normative high‐Ca pyroxene abundances. This suggests that the CIPW norm is poorly suited for determining mineralogical modal abundances of ordinary chondrites.     

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.     

Detailed abundances of rare earth elements,thorium and uranium in chondritic meteorites: An ICP-MS study

Abstract— Inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) was successfully applied to bulk samples of Allende, Jilin, Modoc, Saint-Séverin and Atlanta for the determination of rare earth elements (REE) (Y and 14 lanthanoids), Th and U. The results of ICP-MS showed good agreement with recommended values, and their reproducibilities were high enough to discuss the detailed abundances of lanthanoids and actinoids in chondritic meteorites. For the Allende reference sample issued by the Smithsonian Institution, a positive anomaly of Tm, a fractionation between light REE and heavy REE and a high Th/U ratio were observed in the CI-normalized abundances of REE, Th and U. These features are common for group II inclusions in Allende, suggesting that the abundances of refractory lithophiles in Allende are somewhat influenced by those in a specific constituent. For the other chondritic meteorites, a zigzag alteration was commonly observed in the heavy-REE region of their CI-normalized abundance patterns. It is suggested that such a zigzag pattern is attributable to erratically high abundances of monoisotopic REE (Tb, Ho and Tm) in the CI values. Abundances of REE, Th and U in the bulk samples are also discussed separately in detail.     

Porosity and density of ordinary chondrites: Clues to the formation of friable and porous ordinary chondrites

Abstract— Densities and porosities of meteorites are physical properties that can be used to infer characteristics of asteroid interiors. We report density and porosity measurements of 42 pieces of 30 ordinary chondrites and provide a quantification of the errors of the gas pycnometer method used in this study. Based on our measurements, we find that no significant correlation exists between porosity and petrologic grade, chemical group, sample mass, bulk and grain density, or shock level. To investigate variations in porosity and density between pieces of a meteorite, we examined stones from two showers, Holbrook and Pultusk. Examination of nine samples of Holbrook suggests relative homogeneity in porosity and density between pieces of this shower. Measurements of three samples of Pultusk show homogeneity in bulk density, in contrast to Wilkison and Robinson (2000), a study that reported significant variations in bulk density between 11 samples of Pultusk. Finally, examination of two friable ordinary chondrites, Bjurböle and Allegan, reveal variability in friability and porosity among pieces of the same fall. We suggest that friable ordinary chondrites may have formed in a regolith or fault zone of an asteroid.     

Carbon in the matrices of ordinary chondrites

Abstract— Carbon in the petrologic matrices of a number of ordinary chondrites of groups H, L, and LL, and of types 3 through 6 was studied with a nuclear microprobe and a Raman microprobe. The majority of the matrices had carbon contents in the narrow range between 0.03 and 0.2 wt%. The carbon content decreased only slightly with increasing petrologic type. Carbon-rich coats around troilite and/or metal phases occured in five meteorites. Poorly ordered carbon was found in the matrices. The carbon in the meteorites of higher petrologic types was slightly better ordered than in the meteorites of lower types. The narrow range of carbon contents and the similarity of the structural form of carbon in the matrices of the measured ordinary chondrites, which represent all groups and types, imply that their matrices may contain a common component, which might be of interstellar origin.     

Mechanisms accounting for variations in the proportions of carbonaceous and ordinary chondrites in different mass ranges

The number ratio of carbonaceous to ordinary chondrites (the CC/OC ratio) varies with mass. It is very high (≳90) in small mass ranges (10⁻⁸ to 10⁻¹² kg) among interplanetary dust particles and micrometeorites; it is moderately high (~5 to 30) for 1 to 10 m size fireball meteoroids (with estimated masses between ~10³ and ~10⁶ kg). In the range of most normal-sized meteorite falls (0.01–20 kg), the ratio is low (0.04–0.05); the ratio increases at greater mass ranges: at ≥200 kg, the ratio is 0.09; at ≥500 kg, the ratio is 0.20. The CC/OC ratio also increases from 0.05 to 0.16 for small meteorite finds (10⁻³ to 10⁻⁴ kg). High CC/OC ratios at low and high mass ranges are due to the predominance of CC material in the outer solar system. Small particles from this region spiral into the inner solar system typically in ≤10⁶ years due to Poynting–Robertson drag. Meter-sized meteoroids in this region are affected by Yarkovsky forces, pushing them into resonances where they are efficiently transferred to the inner solar system. Normal-sized meteorites are derived from centimeter-to-decimeter-sized meteoroids that have sluggish drift rates (i.e., they are less affected by the seasonal Yarkovsky effect) compared to larger bodies. Consequently, the centimeter-to-decimeter-sized meteoroids spend more time in interplanetary space (where they are subject to collisions) than larger objects. The greater friability of carbonaceous chondrites relative to ordinary chondrites tends to winnow the carbonaceous chondrites out in this size/mass range during their long interplanetary sojourn, thereby decreasing the CC/OC ratio.     

Barred olivine chondrules in ordinary chondrites: Constraints on chondrule formation

In general, barred olivine (BO) chondrules formed from completely melted precursors. Among BO chondrules in unequilibrated ordinary chondrites, there are significant positive correlations among chondrule diameter, bar thickness, and rim thickness. In the nebula, smaller BO precursor droplets cooled faster than larger droplets (due to their higher surface area/volume ratios) and grew thinner bars and rims. There is a bimodal distribution in the olivine FeO content in BO chondrules, with a hiatus between 11 and 19 wt% FeO. The ratio of (FeO rich)/(FeO poor) BO chondrules decreases from 12.0 in H to 1.6 in L to 1.3 in LL. This is the opposite of the case for porphyritic chondrules: the mean (FeO rich)/(FeO poor) modal ratio increases from 0.8 in H to 1.8 in L to 2.8 in LL. During H chondrite agglomeration, most precursor dustballs were small with low bulk FeO/(FeO + MgO) ratios and moderately high melting temperatures. The energy available for chondrule melting from flash heating was relatively low, capable of completely melting many ferroan dusty precursors (to form FeO-rich BO chondrules), but incapable of completely melting many magnesian dusty precursors (to form FeO-poor BO chondrules). When L and LL chondrites agglomerated somewhat later, significant proportions of precursor dustballs were relatively large and had moderately high bulk FeO/(FeO + MgO) ratios. The energy available from flash heating was higher, capable of completely melting higher proportions of magnesian dusty precursors to form FeO-poor BO chondrules. These differences may have resulted from an increase in the amplitude of lightning discharges in the nebula caused by enhanced charge separation.     

Refractory inclusions in carbonaceous chondrites: Records of early solar system processes

Chondrites consist of three major components: refractory inclusions (Ca,Al‐rich inclusions [CAIs] and amoeboid olivine aggregates), chondrules, and matrix. Here, I summarize recent results on the mineralogy, petrology, oxygen, and aluminum‐magnesium isotope systematics of the chondritic components (mainly CAIs in carbonaceous chondrites) and their significance for understanding processes in the protoplanetary disk (PPD) and on chondrite parent asteroids. CAIs are the oldest solids originated in the solar system: their U‐corrected Pb‐Pb absolute age of 4567.3 ± 0.16 Ma is considered to represent time 0 of its evolution. CAIs formed by evaporation, condensation, and aggregation in a gas of approximately solar composition in a hot (ambient temperature >1300 K) disk region exposed to irradiation by solar energetic particles, probably near the protoSun; subsequently, some CAIs were melted in and outside their formation region during transient heating events of still unknown nature. In unmetamorphosed, type 2–3.0 chondrites, CAIs show large variations in the initial ²⁶Al/²⁷Al ratios, from <5 × 10^–6 to ~5.25 × 10^–5. These variations and the inferred low initial abundance of ⁶⁰Fe in the PPD suggest late injection of ²⁶Al by a wind from a nearby Wolf–Rayet star into the protosolar molecular cloud core prior to or during its collapse. Although there are multiple generations of CAIs characterized by distinct mineralogies, textures, and isotopic (O, Mg, Ca, Ti, Mo, etc.) compositions, the ²⁶Al heterogeneity in the CAI‐forming region(s) precludes determining the duration of CAIs formation using ²⁶Al‐²⁶Mg systematics. The existence of multiple generations of CAIs and the observed differences in CAI abundances in carbonaceous and noncarbonaceous chondrites may indicate that CAIs were episodically formed and ejected by a disk wind from near the Sun to the outer solar system and then spiraled inward due to gas drag. In type 2–3.0 chondrites, most CAIs surrounded by Wark–Lovering rims have uniform Δ¹⁷O (= δ¹⁷O?0.52 × δ¹⁸O) of ~ ?24‰; however, there is a large range of Δ¹⁷O (from ~?40 to ~ ?5‰) among them, suggesting the coexistence of ¹⁶O‐rich (low Δ¹⁷O) and ¹⁶O‐poor (high Δ¹⁷O) gaseous reservoirs at the earliest stages of the PPD evolution. The observed variations in Δ¹⁷O of CAIs may be explained if three major O‐bearing species in the solar system (CO, H₂O, and silicate dust) had different O‐isotope compositions, with H₂O and possibly silicate dust being ¹⁶O‐depleted relative to both the Genesis solar wind Δ¹⁷O of ?28.4 ± 3.6‰ and even more ¹⁶O‐enriched CO. Oxygen isotopic compositions of CO and H₂O could have resulted from CO self‐shielding in the protosolar molecular cloud (PMC) and the outer PPD. The nature of ¹⁶O‐depleted dust at the earliest stages of PPD evolution remains unclear: it could have either been inherited from the PMC or the initially ¹⁶O‐rich (solar‐like) MC dust experienced O‐isotope exchange during thermal processing in the PPD. To understand the chemical and isotopic composition of the protosolar MC material and the degree of its thermal processing in PPD, samples of the primordial silicates and ices, which may have survived in the outer solar system, are required. In metamorphosed CO3 and CV3 chondrites, most CAIs exhibit O‐isotope heterogeneity that often appears to be mineralogically controlled: anorthite, melilite, grossite, krotite, perovskite, and Zr‐ and Sc‐rich oxides and silicates are ¹⁶O‐depleted relative to corundum, hibonite, spinel, Al,Ti‐diopside, forsterite, and enstatite. In texturally fine‐grained CAIs with grain sizes of ~10–20 μm, this O‐isotope heterogeneity is most likely due to O‐isotope exchange with ¹⁶O‐poor (Δ¹⁷O ~0‰) aqueous fluids on the CO and CV chondrite parent asteroids. In CO3.1 and CV3.1 chondrites, this process did not affect Al‐Mg isotope systematics of CAIs. In some coarse‐grained igneous CV CAIs, O‐isotope heterogeneity of anorthite, melilite, and igneously zoned Al,Ti‐diopside appears to be consistent with their crystallization from melts of isotopically evolving O‐isotope compositions. These CAIs could have recorded O‐isotope exchange during incomplete melting in nebular gaseous reservoir(s) with different O‐isotope compositions and during aqueous fluid–rock interaction on the CV asteroid.     

Phosphate and feldspar mineralogy of equilibrated L chondrites: The record of metasomatism during metamorphism in ordinary chondrite parent bodies

In ordinary chondrites (OCs), phosphates and feldspar are secondary minerals known to be the products of parent‐body metamorphism. Both minerals provide evidence that metasomatic fluids played a role during metamorphism. We studied the petrology and chemistry of phosphates and feldspar in petrologic type 4–6 L chondrites, to examine the role of metasomatic fluids, and to compare metamorphic conditions across all three OC groups. Apatite in L chondrites is Cl‐rich, similar to H chondrites, whereas apatite in LL chondrites has lower Cl/F ratios. Merrillite has similar compositions among the three chondrite groups. Feldspar in L chondrites shows a similar equilibration trend to LL chondrites, from a wide range of plagioclase compositions in petrologic type 4 to a homogeneous albitic composition in type 6. This contrasts with H chondrites which have homogeneous albitic plagioclase in petrologic types 4–6. Alkali‐ and halogen‐rich and likely hydrous metasomatic fluids acted during prograde metamorphism on OC parent bodies, resulting in albitization reactions and development of phosphate minerals. Fluid compositions transitioned to a more anhydrous, Cl‐rich composition after the asteroid began to cool. Differences in secondary minerals between H and L, LL chondrites can be explained by differences in fluid abundance, duration, or timing of fluid release. Phosphate minerals in the regolith breccia, Kendleton, show lithology‐dependent apatite compositions. Bulk Cl/F ratios for OCs inferred from apatite compositions are higher than measured bulk chondrite values, suggesting that bulk F abundances are overestimated and that bulk Cl/F ratios in OCs are similar to CI.     

Microchondrules in two unequilibrated ordinary chondrites: Evidence for formation by splattering from chondrules during stochastic collisions in the solar nebula

The diversity of silicate, glassy spherules analogous to chondrules, called microchondrules, and the implications for their presence in unequilibrated ordinary chondrites (UOCs) were investigated using different electron microscope techniques. Our observations show that the abundance of microchondrules in UOCs is much larger than the values proposed by previous studies. We identified two different types of microchondrules, porous and nonporous, embedded within fine‐grained matrices and type I chondrule rims. The porous microchondrules are characterized by distinctive textures and chemical compositions that have not been recognized previously. Additionally, we show detailed textures and chemical compositions of protuberances of silicate materials, connected to the chondrules and ending with microchondrules. We suggest that microchondrules and protuberances formed from materials splattered from the chondrules during stochastic collisions when they were still either completely or partially molten. The occurrence and distinct morphologies of microchondrules and protuberances suggest that rather than just a passive flash melting of chondrules, an additional event perturbed the molten chondrules before they underwent cooling. The bulk chemical compositions suggest that (1) nonporous microchondrules and protuberances were formed by splattering of materials that are compositionally similar to the bulk silicate composition of type I chondrules, and (2) the porous microchondrules could represent the splattered melt products of a less evolved, fine‐grained dust composition. The preservation of protuberances and microchondrules in the rims suggests that the cooling and accretion rates were exceptionally fast and that they represent the last objects that were formed before the accretion of the parent bodies of OCs.     

Silica-merrihueite/roedderite-bearing chondrules and clasts in ordinary chondrites: New occurrences and possible origin

Abstract Merrihueite (K,Na)₂(Fe, Mg)₅Si₁₂O₃₀ (na < 0.5, fe > 0.5, where na = Na/(Na + K), fe = Fe/(Fe + Mg) in atomic ratio) is a rare mineral described only in several chondrules and irregularly-shaped fragments in the Mezö-Madaras L3 chondrite (Dodd et al., 1965; Wood and Holmberg, 1994). Roedderite (Na,K)₂(Mg, Fe)₅Si₁₂O₃₀ (na > 0.5, fe < 0.5) has been found only in enstatite chondrites and in the reduced, subchondritic silicate inclusions in IAB irons (Fuchs, 1966; Rambaldi et al., 1984; Olsen, 1967). We describe silica-roedderite-bearing clasts in L/LL3.5 ALHA77011 and LL3.7 ALHA77278, a silica-roedderite-bearing chondrule in L3 Mezö-Madaras, and a silica-merrihueite-bearing chondrule in L/LL3.5 ALHA77115. The findings of merrihueite and roedderite in ALHA77011, ALHA77115, ALHA77278 and Mezö-Madaras fill the compositional gap between previously described roedderite in enstatite chondrites and silicate inclusions in IAB irons and merrihueite in Mezö-Madaras, suggesting that there is a complete solid solution of roedderite and merrihueite in meteorites. We infer that the silica- and merrihueite/roedderite-bearing chondrules and clasts experienced a complex formational history including: (a) fractional condensation in the solar nebula that produced Si-rich and Al-poor precursors, (b) melting of fractionated nebular solids resulting in the formation of silica-pyroxene chondrules, (c) in some cases, fragmentation in the nebula or on a parent body, (d) reaction of silica with alkali-rich gas that formed merrihueite/roedderite on a parent body, (e) formation of fayalitic olivine and ferrosilite-rich pyroxene due to reaction of silica with oxidized Fe on a parent body, and (f) minor thermal metamorphism, possibly generated by impacts.     

Carbon and nitrogen in carbonaceous chondrites: Elemental abundances and stable isotopic compositions

Abstract— We have undertaken a comprehensive study of carbon and nitrogen elemental abundances and isotopic compositions of bulk carbonaceous chondrites. A strategy of multiple analyses has enabled the investigation of hitherto unconstrained small‐scale heterogeneities. No systematic differences are observed between meteorite falls and finds, suggesting that terrestrial processing has a minimal effect on bulk carbon and nitrogen chemistry. The changes in elemental abundance and isotopic composition over the petrologic range may reflect variations in primary accreted materials, but strong evidence exists of the alteration of components during secondary thermal and aqueous processing. These changes are reflected within the CM2 and CO3 groups and follow the published alteration scales for those groups. The nitrogen isotope system appears to be controlled by an organic host, which loses a ¹⁵N‐rich component with progressive alteration. This study recommends caution, however, over the use of bulk carbon and nitrogen information for classification purposes; variance in relative abundance of different components in carbonaceous chondrites is significant and reflects intrameteorite heterogeneities.     

Ancient porosity preserved in ordinary chondrites: Examining shock and compaction on young asteroids

We use a combination of 2D and 3D petrographic examination and ⁴⁰Ar‐³⁹Ar analyses to examine the impact histories of a suite of seven ordinary chondrites (Baszkówka, Miller, NWA 2380, Mount Tazerzait, Sahara 98034, Tjerebon, and MIL 99301) that partially preserve their ancient, but postaccretionary, porosity ranging from 10 to 20%. We examine whether materials that seem to be only mildly processed (as their large intergranular pore spaces suggest) may have more complex shock histories. The ages determined for most of the seven OCs studied here indicate closure of the ⁴⁰Ar‐³⁹Ar system after primary accretion, but during (Baszkówka) or shortly after (others) thermal metamorphism, with little subsequent heating. Exceptions include Sahara 98034 and MIL 99301, which were heated to some degree at later stages, but retain some evidence for the timing of thermal metamorphism in the ⁴⁰Ar‐³⁹Ar system. Although each of these chondrites has olivine grains with sharp optical extinction (signaling an apparent shock stage of S1), normally indicative of an extremely mild impact history, all of the samples contain relict shock indicators. Given the high porosity and relatively low degree of compaction coupled with signs of shock and thermal annealing, it seems plausible that impacts into materials that were already hot may have produced the relict shock indicators. Initial heating could have resulted from prior collisions, the decay of ²⁶Al, or both processes.     

Bleached chondrules: Evidence for widespread aqueous processes on the parent asteroids of ordinary chondrites

Abstract— We present the first detailed study of a population of texturally distinct chondrules previously described by Kurat (1969), Christophe Michel‐Lévy (1976), and Skinner et al. (1989) that are sharply depleted in alkalis and Al in their outer portions. These “bleached” chondrules, which are exclusively radial pyroxene and cryptocrystalline in texture, have porous outer zones where mesostasis has been lost. Bleached chondrules are present in all type 3 ordinary chondrites and are present in lower abundances in types 4–6. They are most abundant in the L and LL groups, apparently less common in H chondrites, and absent in enstatite chondrites. We used x‐ray mapping and traditional electron microprobe techniques to characterize bleached chondrules in a cross section of ordinary chondrites. We studied bleached chondrules from Semarkona by ion microprobe for trace elements and H isotopes, and by transmission electron microscopy. Chondrule bleaching was the result of low‐temperature alteration by aqueous fluids flowing through finegrained chondrite matrix prior to thermal metamorphism. During aqueous alteration, interstitial glass dissolved and was partially replaced by phyllosilicates, troilite was altered to pentlandite, but pyroxene was completely unaffected. Calcium‐rich zones formed at the inner margins of the bleached zones, either as the result of the early stages of metamorphism or because of fluid‐chondrule reaction. The mineralogy of bleached chondrules is extremely sensitive to thermal metamorphism in type 3 ordinary chondrites, and bleached zones provide a favorable location for the growth of metamorphic minerals in higher petrologic types. The ubiquitous presence of bleached chondrules in ordinary chondrites implies that they all experienced aqueous alteration early in their asteroidal histories, but there is no relationship between the degree of alteration and metamorphic grade. A correlation between the oxidation state of chondrite groups and their degree of aqueous alteration is consistent with the source of water being either accreted ices or water released during oxidation of organic matter. Ordinary chondrites were probably open systems after accretion, and aqueous fluids may have carried volatile elements with them during dehydration. Individual radial pyroxene and cryptocrystalline chondrules were certainly open systems in all chondrites that experienced aqueous alteration leading to bleaching.     

A preliminary investigation into the nature of carbonaceous material in ordinary chondrites

Abstract— The nature and isotopic composition of carbonaceous components in a variety of ordinary chondrites have been studied using stepped combustion. The samples were chosen to include falls, finds and Antarctic meteorites; specimens from all three chemical groups (H, L and LL) have been analysed. Effort was concentrated mostly on the low petrologic type meteorites (i.e., type 3); however, types 4–6 were also included in the study. Apart from terrestrial contaminants and weathering products, some of the unequilibrated ordinary chondrites appear to contain an indigenous organic component. In addition, most of the samples studied show evidence for an amorphous/graphitic component. This exists as C-rich aggregates or as carbon associated with “Huss” matrix. There does not appear to be any difference in δ¹³C for this carbon between Antarctic and non-Antarctic meteorites. In contrast, low temperature carbon in Antarctic samples is characterized by a ¹³C-enrichment. This is thought to be due to the influence of terrestrial weathering products introduced in the Antarctic. Curiously, the low temperature carbon in non-Antarctic finds appears to be intermediate in δ¹³C between Antarctic finds and non-Antarctic falls. This suggests that the weathering processes which are so obviously apparent from Antarctic samples may also extend, albeit in a more limited way, to non-Antarctic meteorites.     

Equilibrated ordinary chondrites: Constraints for thermal history from iron-magnesium ordering in orthopyroxene

Abstract— iron-magnesium ordering was determined in orthopyroxenes from two suites of unshocked (shock stage S1, S2), equilibrated L- and LL-chondrites (10 grains from 5 meteorites and 7 grains from 4 meteorites, respectively) by means of single crystal x-ray diffraction (SCXRD). This study, together with a previous investigation of H-chondrites (13 grains from 8 meteorites), produces an internally consistent data set about the thermal record in equilibrated ordinary chondrites (EOCs). The major feature outlined by cation ordering in EOC orthopyroxenes is that H-, L- and LL-chondrites share a common low-temperature record, that is, a common range of similar cooling rates in the 340–480 °C interval for the petrographic types 4 to 6. As a consequence, the thermal evolution of EOCs consists of at least two subsolidus stages; the first stage occurred at temperatures >480 °C where petrographic types were established in distinct environments; the second stage occurred when EOCs, irrespective of chemical class and type, cooled through 340–480 °C in environments characterized by close temperature-time conditions. Quantitative estimates of minimal cooling rates for EOCs range from a few °C/ka to ～10²°C/ka in the 340–480 °C interval. Possibly, final ordering was attained in environments where moderate radiative heat-loss was possible and, thus indicating shallow burial depths in the parent body.     

Microstructures of metal grains in ordinary chondrites: Implications for their thermal histories

Abstract— This paper reports one of the first attempts to investigate by analytical transmission electron microscopy (ATEM) the microstructures and compositions of Fe‐Ni metal grains in ordinary chondrites. Three ordinary chondrites, Saint Séverin (LL6), Agen (H5), and Tsarev (L6) were selected because they display contrasting microstructures, which reflects different thermal histories. In Saint Séverin, the microstructure of the Ni‐rich metal grains is due to slow cooling. It consists of a two‐phase assemblage with a honeycomb structure resulting from spinodal decomposition similar to the cloudy zone of iron meteorites. Microanalyses show that the Ni‐rich phase is tetrataenite (Ni = 47 wt%) and the Ni‐poor phase, with a composition of ～25% Ni, is either martensite or taenite, these two occurring adjacent to each other. The observation that the Ni‐poor phase is partly fcc resolves the disagreement between previous transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and Mössbauer studies on iron meteorites and ordinary chondrite metal. The Ni content of the honeycomb phase is much higher than in mesosiderites, confirming that mesosiderites cooled much more slowly. The high‐Ni tetrataenite rim in contact with the cloudy zone displays high‐Ni compositional variability on a very fine scale, which suggests that the corresponding area was destabilized and partially decomposed at low temperature. Both Agen and Tsarev display evidence of reheating and subsequent fast cooling obviously related to shock events. Their metallic particles mostly consist of martensite, the microstructure of which depends on local Ni content. Microstructures are controlled by both the temperature at which martensite forms and that at which it possibly decomposes. In high‐Ni zones (>15 wt%), martensitic transformation started at low temperature (<300 °C). Because no further recovery occurred, these zones contain a high density of lattice defects. In low‐Ni zones (<15 wt%), martensite grains formed at higher temperature and their lattice defects recovered. These martensite grains present a lath texture with numerous tiny precipitates of Ni‐rich taenite (Ni = 50 wt%) at lath boundaries. Nickel composition profiles across precipitate‐matrix interfaces show that the growth of these precipitates was controlled by preferential diffusion of Ni along lattice defects. The cooling rates deduced from Ni concentration profiles and precipitate sizes are within the range 1–10 °C/year for Tsarev and 10–100 °C/year for Agen.     

Fe‐Ni metal in primitive chondrites: Indicators of classification and metamorphic conditions for ordinary and CO chondrites

Abstract— We report the results of our petrological and mineralogical study of Fe‐Ni metal in type 3 ordinary and CO chondrites, and the ungrouped carbonaceous chondrite Acfer 094. Fe‐Ni metal in ordinary and CO chondrites occurs in chondrule interiors, on chondrule surfaces, and as isolated grains in the matrix. Isolated Ni‐rich metal in chondrites of petrologic type lower than type 3.10 is enriched in Co relative to the kamacite in chondrules. However, Ni‐rich metal in type 3.15–3.9 chondrites always contains less Co than does kamacite. Fe‐Ni metal grains in chondrules in Semarkona typically show plessitic intergrowths consisting of submicrometer kamacite and Ni‐rich regions. Metal in other type 3 chondrites is composed of fine‐ to coarse‐grained aggregates of kamacite and Ni‐rich metal, resulting from metamorphism in the parent body. We found that the number density of Ni‐rich grains in metal (number of Ni‐rich grains per unit area of metal) in chondrules systematically decreases with increasing petrologic type. Thus, Fe‐Ni metal is a highly sensitive recorder of metamorphism in ordinary and carbonaceous chondrites, and can be used to distinguish petrologic type and identify the least thermally metamorphosed chondrites. Among the known ordinary and CO chondrites, Semarkona is the most primitive. The range of metamorphic temperatures were similar for type 3 ordinary and CO chondrites, despite them having different parent bodies. Most Fe‐Ni metal in Acfer 094 is martensite, and it preserves primary features. The degree of metamorphism is lower in Acfer 094, a true type 3.00 chondrite, than in Semarkona, which should be reclassified as type 3.01.