Refractory inclusions in the CH/CB‐like carbonaceous chondrite Isheyevo: I. Mineralogy and petrography

Abstract— –The CH/CB‐like chondrite Isheyevo consists of metal‐rich (70–90 vol% Fe,Ni‐metal) and metal‐poor (7–20 vol% Fe,Ni‐metal) lithologies which differ in size and relative abundance of Fe,Ni‐metal and chondrules, as well as proportions of porphyritic versus non‐porphyritic chondrules. Here, we describe the mineralogy and petrography of Ca,Al‐rich inclusions (CAIs) and amoeboid olivine aggregates (AOAs) in these lithologies. Based on mineralogy, refractory inclusions can be divided into hibonite‐rich (39%), grossite‐rich (16%), melilite‐rich (19%), spinel‐rich (14%), pyroxene‐anorthite‐rich (8%), fine‐grained spinel‐rich CAIs (1%), and AOAs (4%). There are no systematic differences in the inclusion types or their relative abundances between the lithologies. About 55% of the Isheyevo CAIs are very refractory (hibonite‐rich and grossite‐rich) objects, 20–240 μm in size, which appear to have crystallized from rapidly cooling melts. These inclusions are texturally and mineralogically similar to the majority of CAIs in CH and CB chondrites. They are distinctly different from CAIs in other carbonaceous chondrite groups dominated by the spinel‐pyroxene ± melilite CAIs and AOAs. The remaining 45% of inclusions are less refractory objects (melilite‐, spinel‐ and pyroxene‐rich CAIs and AOAs), 40–300 μm in size, which are texturally and mineralogically similar to those in other chondrite groups. Both types of CAIs are found as relict objects inside porphyritic chondrules indicating recycling during chondrule formation. We infer that there are at least two populations of CAIs in Isheyevo which appear to have experienced different thermal histories. All of the Isheyevo CAIs apparently formed at an early stage, prior to chondrule formation and prior to a hypothesized planetary impact that produced magnesian cryptocrystalline and skeletal chondrules and metal grains in CB, and possibly CH chondrites. However, some of the CAIs appear to have undergone melting during chondrule formation and possibly during a major impact event. We suggest that Isheyevo, as well as CH and CB chondrites, consist of variable proportions of materials produced by different processes in different settings: 1) by evaporation, condensation, and melting of dust in the protoplanetary disk (porphyritic chondrules and refractory inclusions), 2) by melting, evaporation and condensation in an impact generated plume (magnesian cryptocrystalline and skeletal chondrules and metal grains; some igneous CAIs could have been melted during this event), and 3) by aqueous alteration of pre‐existing planetesimals (heavily hydrated lithic clasts). The Isheyevo lithologies formed by size sorting of similar components during accretion in the Isheyevo parent body; they do not represent fragments of CH and CB chondrites.     

Refractory inclusions and aluminum‐rich chondrules in Sayh al Uhaymir 290 CH chondrite: Petrography and mineralogy

Abstract— Here we report the petrography, mineralogy, and bulk compositions of Ca,Al‐rich inclusions (CAIs), amoeboid olivine aggregate (AOA), and Al‐rich chondrules (ARCs) in Sayh al Uhaymir (SaU) 290 CH chondrite. Eighty‐two CAIs (0.1% of the section surface area) were found. They are hibonite‐rich (9%), grossite‐rich (18%), melilite ± spinel‐rich (48%), fassaite ± spinel‐rich (15%), and fassaite‐anorthite‐rich (10%) refractory inclusions. Most CAIs are rounded in shape and small in size (average = 40 μm). They are more refractory than those of other groups of chondrites. CAIs in SaU 290 might have experienced higher peak heating temperatures, which could be due to the formation region closer to the center of protoplanetary disk or have formed earlier than those of other groups of chondrites. In SaU 290, refractory inclusions with a layered texture could have formed by gas‐solid condensation from the solar nebula and those with an igneous texture could have crystallized from melt droplets or experienced subsequent melting of pre‐existing condensates from the solar nebula. One refractory inclusion represents an evaporation product of pre‐existing refractory solid on the basis of its layered texture and melting temperature of constituting minerals. Only one AOA is observed (75 μm across). It consists of olivine, Al‐diopside, anorthite, and minor spinel with a layered texture. CAIs and AOA show no significant low‐temperature aqueous alteration. ARCs in SaU 290 consist of diopside, forsterite, anorthite, Al‐enstatite, spinel, and mesostasis or glass. They can be divided into diopside‐rich, Al‐enstatite‐rich, glass‐rich, and anorthite‐rich chondrules. Bulk compositions of most ARCs are consistent with a mixture origin of CAIs and ferromagnesian chondrules. Anorthite and Al‐enstatite do not coexist in a given ARC, implying a kinetic effect on their formation.     

Ca,Al‐rich inclusions in Rumuruti (R) chondrites

Abstract— Rumuruti chondrites (R chondrites) constitute a well‐characterized chondrite group different from carbonaceous, ordinary, and enstatite chondrites. Many of these meteorites are breccias containing primitive type 3 fragments as well as fragments of higher petrologic type. Ca,Al‐rich inclusions (CAIs) occur within all lithologies. Here, we present the results of our search for and analysis of Al‐rich objects in Rumuruti chondrites. We studied 20 R chondrites and found 126 Ca,Al‐rich objects (101 CAIs, 19 Al‐rich chondrules, and 6 spinel‐rich fragments). Based on mineralogical characterization and analysis by SEM and electron microprobe, the inclusions can be grouped into six different types: (1) simple concentric spinel‐rich inclusions (42), (2) fassaite‐rich spherules, (3) complex spinel‐rich CAIs (53), (4) complex diopside‐rich inclusions, (5) Al‐rich chondrules, and (6) Al‐rich (spinel‐rich) fragments. The simple concentric and complex spinel‐rich CAIs have abundant spinel and, based on the presence or absence of different major phases (fassaite, hibonite, Na,Al‐(Cl)‐rich alteration products), can be subdivided into several subgroups. Although there are some similarities between CAIs from R chondrites and inclusions from other chondrite groups with respect to their mineral assemblages, abundance, and size, the overall assemblage of CAIs is distinct to the R‐chondrite group. Some Ca,Al‐rich inclusions appear to be primitive (e.g., low FeO‐contents in spinel, low abundances of Na,Al‐(Cl)‐rich alteration products; abundant perovskite), whereas others were highly altered by nebular and/or parent body processes (e.g., high concentrations of FeO and ZnO in spinel, ilmenite instead of perovskite, abundant Na,Al‐(Cl)‐rich alteration products). There is complete absence of grossite and melilite, which are common in CAIs from most other groups. CAIs from equilibrated R‐chondrite lithologies have abundant secondary Ab‐rich plagioclase (oligoclase) and differ from those in unequilibrated type 3 lithologies which have nepheline and sodalite instead.     

Petrology,mineralogy, and oxygen isotope compositions of aluminum‐rich chondrules from CV3 chondrites

Bulk major element composition, petrography, mineralogy, and oxygen isotope compositions of twenty Al‐rich chondrules (ARCs) from five CV3 chondrites (Northwest Africa [NWA] 989, NWA 2086, NWA 2140, NWA 2697, NWA 3118) and the Ningqiang carbonaceous chondrite were studied and compared with those of ferromagnesian chondrules and refractory inclusions. Most ARCs are marginally Al‐richer than ferromagnesian chondrules with bulk Al₂O₃ of 10–15 wt%. ARCs are texturally similar to ferromagnesian chondrules, composed primarily of olivine, pyroxene, plagioclase, spinel, Al‐rich glass, and metallic phases. Minerals in ARCs have intermediate compositions. Low‐Ca pyroxene (Fs_0.6–8.8Wo_0.7–9.3) has much higher Al₂O₃ and TiO₂ contents (up to 12.5 and 2.3 wt%, respectively) than that in ferromagnesian chondrules. High‐Ca pyroxene (Fs_0.3–2.0Wo_33–54) contains less Al₂O₃ and TiO₂ than that in Ca,Al‐rich inclusions (CAIs). Plagioclase (An_77–99Ab_1–23) is much more sodic than that in CAIs. Spinel is enriched in moderately volatile element Cr (up to 6.7 wt%) compared to that in CAIs. Al‐rich enstatite coexists with anorthite and spinel in a glass‐free chondrule, implying that the formation of Al‐enstatite was not due to kinetic reasons but is likely due to the high Al₂O₃/CaO ratio (7.4) of the bulk chondrule. Three ARCs contain relict CAIs. Oxygen isotope compositions of ARCs are also intermediate between those of ferromagnesian chondrules and CAIs. They vary from ?39.4‰ to 13.9‰ in δ¹⁸O and yield a best fit line (slope = 0.88) close to the carbonaceous chondrite anhydrous mineral (CCAM) line. Chondrules with 5–10 wt% bulk Al₂O₃ have a slightly more narrow range in δ¹⁸O (?32.5 to 5.9‰) along the CCAM line. Except for the ARCs with relict phases, however, most ARCs have oxygen isotope compositions (>?20‰ in δ¹⁸O) similar to those of typical ferromagnesian chondrules. ARCs are genetically related to both ferromagnesian chondrules and CAIs, but the relationship between ARCs and ferromagnesian chondrules is closer. Most ARCs were formed during flash heating and rapid cooling processes like normal chondrules, only from chemically evolved precursors. ARCs extremely enriched in Al and those with relict phases could have had a hybrid origin (Krot et al. 2002) which incorporated refractory inclusions as part of the precursors in addition to ferromagnesian materials. The occurrence of melilite in ARCs indicates that melilite‐rich CAIs might be present in the precursor materials of ARCs. The absence of melilite in most ARCs is possibly due to high‐temperature interactions between a chondrule melt and the solar nebula.     

The Isheyevo meteorite: Mineralogy,petrology, bulk chemistry,oxygen, nitrogen,carbon isotopic compositions,and 40Ar‐39Ar ages

Abstract— Isheyevo is a metal‐rich carbonaceous chondrite that contains several lithologies with different abundances of Fe,Ni metal (7–90 vol%). The metal‐rich lithologies with 50–60 vol% of Fe,Ni metal are dominant. The metal‐rich and metal‐poor lithologies are most similar to the CB_b and CH carbonaceous chondrites, respectively, providing a potential link between these chondrite groups. All lithologies experienced shock metamorphism of shock stage S4. All consist of similar components—Fe,Ni metal, chondrules, refractory inclusions (Ca, Al‐rich inclusions [CAIs] and amoeboid olivine aggregates [AOAs]), and heavily hydrated lithic clasts—but show differences in their modal abundances, chondrule sizes, and proportions of porphyritic versus non‐porphyritic chondrules. Bulk chemical and oxygen isotopic compositions are in the range of CH and CB chondrites. Bulk nitrogen isotopic composition is highly enriched in ¹⁵N (δ¹⁵N = 1122‰). The magnetic fraction is very similar to the bulk sample in terms of both nitrogen release pattern and isotopic profile; the non‐magnetic fraction contains significantly less heavy N. Carbon released at high temperatures shows a relatively heavy isotope signature. Similarly to CB_b chondrites, ～20% of Fe,Ni‐metal grains in Isheyevo are chemically zoned. Similarly to CH chondrites, some metal grains are Ni‐rich (>20 wt% Ni). In contrast to CB_b and CH chondrites, most metal grains are thermally decomposed into Ni‐rich and Ni‐poor phases. Similar to CH chondrites, chondrules have porphyritic and non‐porphyritic textures and ferromagnesian (type I and II), silica‐rich, and aluminum‐rich bulk compositions. Some of the layered ferromagnesian chondrules are surrounded by ferrous olivine or phyllosilicate rims. Phyllosilicates in chondrule rims are compositionally distinct from those in the hydrated lithic clasts. Similarly to CH chondrites, CAIs are dominated by the hibonite‐, grossite‐, and melilite‐rich types; AOAs are very rare. We infer that Isheyevo is a complex mixture of materials formed by different processes and under different physico‐chemical conditions. Chondrules and refractory inclusions of two populations, metal grains, and heavily hydrated clasts accreted together into the Isheyevo parent asteroid in a region of the protoplanetary disk depleted in fine‐grained dust. Such a scenario is consistent with the presence of solar wind—implanted noble gases in Isheyevo and with its comparatively old K‐Ar age. We cannot exclude that the K‐Ar system was affected by a later collisional event. The cosmic‐ray exposure (CRE) age of Isheyevo determined by cosmogenic ³⁸Ar is ～34 Ma, similar to that of the Bencubbin (CB_a) meteorite.     

Anorthite‐rich chondrules in CR and CH carbonaceous chondrites: Genetic link between calcium‐aluminum‐rich inclusions and ferromagnesian chondrules

Abstract— Anorthite‐rich chondrules in CR and CH carbonaceous chondrites consist of magnesian low‐Ca pyroxene and forsterite phenocrysts, FeNi‐metal nodules, interstitial anorthite, Al‐Ti‐Cr‐rich low‐Ca and high‐Ca pyroxenes, and crystalline mesostasis composed of silica, anorthite and high‐Ca pyroxene. Three anorthite‐rich chondrules contain relic calcium‐aluminum‐rich inclusions (CAIs) composed of anorthite, spinel, ±Al‐diopside, and ± forsterite. A few chondrules contain regions which are texturally and mineralogically similar to magnesian (type I) chondrules and consist of forsterite, low‐Ca pyroxene and abundant FeNi‐metal nodules. Anorthite‐rich chondrules in CR and CH chondrites are mineralogically similar to those in CV and CO carbonaceous chondrites, but contain no secondary nepheline, sodalite or ferrosilite. Relatively high abundances of moderately‐volatile elements such as Cr, Mn and Si in the anorthite‐rich chondrules suggest that these chondrules could not have been produced by volatilization of the ferromagnesian chondrule precursors or by melting of the refractory materials only. We infer instead that anorthite‐rich chondrules in carbonaceous chondrites formed by melting of the reduced chondrule precursors (olivine, pyroxenes, FeNi‐metal) mixed with the refractory materials, including relic CAIs, composed of anorthite, spinel, high‐Ca pyroxene and forsterite. The observed mineralogical and textural similarities of the anorthite‐rich chondrules in several carbonaceous chondrite groups (CV, CO, CH, CR) may indicate that these chondrules formed in the region(s) intermediate between the regions where CAIs and ferromagnesian chondrules originated. This may explain the relative enrichment of anorthite‐rich chondrules in ¹⁶O compared to typical ferromagnesian chondrules (Russell et al., 2000).     

Refractory calcium‐aluminum‐rich inclusions and aluminum‐diopside‐rich chondrules in the metal‐rich chondrites Hammadah al Hamra 237 and Queen Alexandra Range 94411

Abstract— The metal‐rich chondrites Hammadah al Hamra (HH) 237 and Queen Alexandra Range (QUE) 94411, paired with QUE 94627, contain relatively rare (<1 vol%) calcium‐aluminum‐rich inclusions (CAIs) and Al‐diopside‐rich chondrules. Forty CAIs and CAI fragments and seven Al‐diopside‐rich chondrules were identified in HH 237 and QUE 94411/94627. The CAIs, ～50–400 μm in apparent diameter, include (a) 22 (56%) pyroxene‐spinel ± melilite (+forsterite rim), (b) 11 (28%) forsterite‐bearing, pyroxene‐spinel ± melilite ± anorthite (+forsterite rim) (c) 2 (5%) grossite‐rich (+spinel‐melilite‐pyroxene rim), (d) 2 (5%) hibonite‐melilite (+spinel‐pyroxene ± forsterite rim), (e) 1 (2%) hibonite‐bearing, spinel‐perovskite (+melilite‐pyroxene rim), (f) 1 (2%) spinel‐melilite‐pyroxene‐anorthite, and (g) 1 (2%) amoeboid olivine aggregate. Each type of CAI is known to exist in other chondrite groups, but the high abundance of pyroxene‐spinel ± melilite CAIs with igneous textures and surrounded by a forsterite rim are unique features of HH 237 and QUE 94411/94627. Additionally, oxygen isotopes consistently show relatively heavy compositions with Δ¹⁷O ranging from ?6%0 to ?10%0 (1σ = 1.3%0) for all analyzed CAI minerals (grossite, hibonite, melilite, pyroxene, spinel). This suggests that the CAIs formed in a reservoir isotopically distinct from the reservoir(s) where “normal”, ¹⁶O‐rich (Δ¹⁷O < ?20%0) CAIs in most other chondritic meteorites formed. The Al‐diopside‐rich chondrules, which have previously been observed in CH chondrites and the unique carbonaceous chondrite Adelaide, contain Al‐diopside grains enclosing oriented inclusions of forsterite, and interstitial anorthitic mesostasis and Al‐rich, Ca‐poor pyroxene, occasionally enclosing spinel and forsterite. These chondrules are mineralogically similar to the Al‐rich barred‐olivine chondrules in HH 237 and QUE 94411/94627, but have lower Cr concentrations than the latter, indicating that they may have formed during the same chondrule‐forming event, but at slightly different ambient nebular temperatures. Aluminum‐diopside grains from two Al‐diopside‐rich chondrules have O‐isotopic compositions (Δ¹⁷O ? ?7 ± 1.1 %0) similar to CAI minerals, suggesting that they formed from an isotopically similar reservoir. The oxygen‐isotopic composition of one Ca, Al‐poor cryptocrystalline chondrule in QUE 94411/94627 was analyzed and found to have Δ¹⁷O ? ?3 ± 1.4%0. The characteristics of the CAIs in HH 237 and QUE 94411/94627 are inconsistent with an impact origin of these metal‐rich meteorites. Instead they suggest that the components in CB chondrites are pristine products of large‐scale, high‐temperature processes in the solar nebula and should be considered bona fide chondrites.     

Calcium‐aluminum‐rich inclusions and amoeboid olivine aggregates from the CR carbonaceous chondrites

Abstract— Calcium‐aluminum‐rich refractory inclusions (CAIs) in CR chondrites are rare (<1 vol%), fairly small (<500 μm) and irregularly‐shaped, and most of them are fragmented. Based on the mineralogy and petrography, they can be divided into grossite ± hibonite‐rich, melilite‐rich, and pyroxene‐anorthite‐rich CAIs. Other types of refractory objects include fine‐grained spinel‐melilite‐pyroxene aggregates and amoeboid olivine aggregates (AOAs). Some of the pyroxene‐anorthite‐rich CAIs have igneous textures, and most melilite‐rich CAIs share similarities to both the fluffy and compact type A CAIs found in CV chondrites. One major difference between these CAIs and those in CV, CM, and CO chondrites is that secondary mineral phases are rare. In situ ion microprobe analyses of oxygen‐isotopic compositions of 27 CAIs and AOAs from seven CR chondrites demonstrate that most of the CAIs are ¹⁶O‐rich (δ¹⁷O of hibonite, melilite, spinel, pyroxene, and anorthite < ?22‰) and isotopically homogeneous within 3–4‰. Likewise, forsterite, spinel, anorthite, and pyroxene in AOAs have nearly identical, ¹⁶O‐rich compositions (?24‰ < δ¹⁷O < ?20‰). In contrast, objects which show petrographic evidence for extensive melting are not as ¹⁶O‐rich (δ¹⁷O less than ?18‰). Secondary alteration minerals replacing ¹⁶O‐rich melilite in melilite‐rich CAIs plot along the terrestrial fractionation line. Most CR CAIs and AOAs are mineralogically pristine objects that largely escaped thermal metamorphism and secondary alteration processes, which is reflected in their relatively homogeneous ¹⁶O‐rich compositions. It is likely that these objects (or their precursors) condensed in an ¹⁶O‐rich gaseous reservoir in the solar nebula. In contrast, several igneous CAIs are not very enriched in ¹⁶O, probably as a result of their having melted in the presence of a relatively ¹⁶O‐poor nebular gas. If the precursors of these CAIs were as ¹⁶O‐rich as other CR CAIs, this implies either temporal excursions in the isotopic composition of the gas in the CAI‐forming regions and/or radial transport of some CAI precursors into an ¹⁶O‐poor gas. The absence of oxygen isotope heterogeneity in the primary minerals of melilite‐rich CAIs containing alteration products suggests that mineralogical alteration in CR chondrites did not affect oxygen‐isotopic compositions of their CAIs.     

26Al‐26Mg systematics of Ca‐Al‐rich inclusions,amoeboid olivine aggregates,and chondrules from the ungrouped carbonaceous chondrite Acfer 094

Abstract— We report in situ magnesium isotope measurements of 7 porphyritic magnesium‐rich (type I) chondrules, 1 aluminum‐rich chondrule, and 16 refractory inclusions (14 Ca‐Al‐rich inclusions [CAIs] and 2 amoeboid olivine aggregates [AOAs]) from the ungrouped carbonaceous chondrite Acfer 094 using a Cameca IMS 6f ion microprobe. Both AOAs and 9 CAIs show radiogenic ²⁶Mg excesses corresponding to initial ²⁶Al/²⁷Al ratios between ～5 × 10^?5 ～7 × 10^?5 suggesting that formation of the Acfer 094 CAIs may have lasted for ～300,000 years. Four CAIs show no evidence for radiogenic ²⁶Mg; three of these inclusions (a corundum‐rich, a grossite‐rich, and a pyroxene‐hibonite spherule CAI) are very refractory objects and show deficits in ²⁶Mg, suggesting that they probably never contained ²⁶Al. The fourth object without evidence for radiogenic ²⁶Mg is an anorthite‐rich, igneous (type C) CAI that could have experienced late‐stage melting that reset its Al‐Mg systematics. Significant excesses in ²⁶Mg were observed in two chondrules. The inferred ²⁶Al/²⁷Al ratios in these two chondrules are (10.3 ± 7.4) × 10^?6 (6.0 ± 3.8) × 10^?6 (errors are 2σ), suggesting formation 1.6^+1.2_‐0.6 and 2.2^+0.4_‐0.3 Myr after CAIs with the canonical ²⁶Al/²⁷Al ratio of 5 × 10^?5. These age differences are consistent with the inferred age differences between CAIs and chondrules in primitive ordinary (LL3.0–LL3.1) and carbonaceous (CO3.0) chondrites.     

Refractory inclusions in the unique carbonaceous chondrite Acfer 094

Abstract– Acfer 094 is an unshocked, nearly unaltered carbonaceous chondrite with an unusual suite of refractory inclusions. The refractory inclusions in a newly prepared thin section and a small aliquot of disaggregated material were studied to compare the population with previous work, and to report new or unusual inclusion types. A total of 289 Ca‐, Al‐rich inclusions in the thin section and 67 among the disaggregated material, having a total of 31 different mineral assemblages, were found. Inclusions are largely free of secondary alteration products, and are typically ≤200 μm across. The most common are gehlenitic melilite+spinel±perovskite, spinel+perovskite, and spinel with a thin, silicate rim, typically melilite±diopside. Such rims and (thicker) mantles are very common among Acfer 094 inclusions, and they exhibit a variety of zoning patterns with respect to åkermanite and FeO contents. In the thin section, about 13% of the inclusions contain hibonite and approximately 5% are grossite‐bearing; in the disaggregated material, the percentages are 14 and 9, respectively, comparable to previous work. Among the unusual inclusions are a fine‐grained, porous, Ti‐rich hibonite+spinel+perovskite+melilite inclusion with a compact, coarse, Ti‐poor hibonite+spinel+melilite clast; two inclusions in which hibonite has reacted to form grossite; two inclusions with FeO‐rich spinel; and a small object consisting of fassaite enclosing euhedral spinel, the first fragment of a Type B inclusion reported from Acfer 094. Inclusions similar to those found in CM or CV chondrites are rare; Acfer 094 contains a distinctive population of inclusions. The population, dominated by small, melilite‐bearing inclusions, is most similar to that of CO chondrites. A distinguishing feature is that in Acfer 094, almost every phase in almost every refractory inclusion contains 0.5–1.5 wt% FeO. A lack of diffusion gradients and the pristinity of the matrix imply that the inclusions experienced prolonged exposure to FeO‐bearing fluid prior to accretion into the Acfer 094 parent body. There are no known nebular conditions under which the refractory phases found in the present samples could acquire FeO enrichments to the observed levels. The most likely setting is therefore in an earlier, FeO‐rich parent body. The inclusions were ejected from this parent body, mixed with typical CAIs, chondrules, amoeboid olivine aggregates, and amorphous material, and incorporated into the Acfer 094 parent body.     

Fine‐grained,spinel‐rich inclusions from the reduced CV chondrites Efremovka and Leoville: I. Mineralogy,petrology, and bulk chemistry

Abstract— Fine‐grained, spinel‐rich inclusions in the reduced CV chondrites Efremovka and Leoville consist of spinel, melilite, anorthite, Al‐diopside, and minor hibonite and perovskite; forsterite is very rare. Several CAIs are surrounded by forsterite‐rich accretionary rims. In contrast to heavily altered fine‐grained CAIs in the oxidized CV chondrite Allende, those in the reduced CVs experienced very little alteration (secondary nepheline and sodalite are rare). The Efremovka and Leoville fine‐grained CAIs are ¹⁶O‐enriched and, like their Allende counterparts, generally have volatility fractionated group II rare earth element patterns. Three out of 13 fine‐grained CAIs we studied are structurally uniform and consist of small concentrically zoned nodules having spinel ± hibonite ± perovskite cores surrounded by layers of melilite and Al‐diopside. Other fine‐grained CAIs show an overall structural zonation defined by modal mineralogy differences between the inclusion cores and mantles. The cores are melilite‐free and consist of tiny spinel ± hibonite ± perovskite grains surrounded by layers of anorthite and Al‐diopside. The mantles are calcium‐enriched, magnesium‐depleted and coarsergrained relative to the cores; they generally contain abundant melilite but have less spinel and anorthite than the cores. The bulk compositions of fine‐grained CAIs generally show significant fractionation of Al from Ca and Ti, with Ca and Ti being depleted relative to Al; they are similar to those of coarsegrained, type C igneous CAIs, and thus are reasonable candidate precursors for the latter. The finegrained CAIs originally formed as aggregates of spinel‐perovskite‐melilite ± hibonite gas‐solid condensates from a reservoir that was ¹⁶O‐enriched but depleted in the most refractory REEs. These aggregates later experienced low‐temperature gas‐solid nebular reactions with gaseous SiO and Mg to form Al‐diopside and ±anorthite. The zoned structures of many of the fine‐grained inclusions may be the result of subsequent reheating that resulted in the evaporative loss of SiO and Mg and the formation of melilite. The inferred multi‐stage formation history of fine‐grained inclusions in Efremovka and Leoville is consistent with a complex formation history of coarse‐grained CAIs in CV chondrites.     

Forsterite‐rich accretionary rims around calcium‐aluminum‐rich inclusions from the reduced CV3 chondrite Efremovka

Abstract— It was suggested that multilayered accretionary rims composed of ferrous olivine, andradite, wollastonite, salite‐hedenbergitic pyroxenes, nepheline, and Ni‐rich sulfides around Allende calcium‐aluminum‐rich inclusions (CAIs) are aggregates of gas‐solid condensates which reflect significant fluctuations in physico‐chemical conditions in the slowly cooling solar nebula and grain/gas separation processes. In order to test this model, we studied the mineralogy of accretionary rims around one type A CAI (E104) and one type B CAI (E48) from the reduced CV3 chondrite Efremovka, which is less altered than Allende. In contrast to the Allende accretionary rims, those in Efremovka consist of coarse‐grained (20–40 μm), anhedral forsterite (Fa_1–8), Fe, Ni‐metal nodules, amoeboid olivine aggregates (AOAs) and fine‐grained CAIs composed of Al‐diopside, anorthite, and spinel, ± forsterite. Although the fine‐grained CAIs, AOAs and host CAIs are virtually unaltered, a hibonite‐spinel‐perovskite CAI in the E48 accretionary rim experienced extensive alteration, which resulted in the formation of Fe‐rich, Zn‐bearing spinel, and a Ca, Al, Si‐hydrous mineral. Forsterites in the accretionary rims typically show an aggregational nature and consist of small olivine grains with numerous pores and tiny inclusions of Al‐rich minerals. No evidence for the replacement of forsterite by enstatite was found; no chondrule fragments were identified in the accretionary rims. We infer that accretionary rims in Efremovka are more primitive than those in Allende and formed by aggregation of high‐temperature condensates around host CAIs in the CAI‐forming regions. The rimmed CAIs were removed from these regions prior to condensation of enstatite and alkalies. The absence of andradite, wollastonite, and hedenbergite from the Efremovka rims may indicate that these rims sampled different nebular regions than the Allende rims. Alternatively, the Ca, Fe‐rich silicates rimming Allende CAIs may have resulted from late‐stage metasomatic alteration, under oxidizing conditions, of original Efremovka‐like accretionary rims. The observed differences in O‐isotope composition between forsterite and Ca, Fe‐rich minerals in the Allende accretionary rims (Hiyagon, 1998) suggest that the oxidizing fluid had an ¹⁶O‐poor oxygen isotopic composition.     

Al‐Mg systematics of hibonite‐bearing Ca,Al‐rich inclusions from Ningqiang

Abstract– Hibonite‐bearing Ca,Al‐rich inclusions (CAIs) usually occur in CM and CH chondrites and possess petrographic and isotopic characteristics distinctive from other typical CAIs. Despite their highly refractory nature, most hibonite‐bearing CAIs have little or no ²⁶Mg excess (the decay product of ²⁶Al), but do show wide variations of Ca and Ti isotopic anomalies. A few spinel‐hibonite spherules preserve evidence of live ²⁶Al with an inferred ²⁶Al/²⁷Al close to the canonical value. The bimodal distribution of ²⁶Al abundances in hibonite‐bearing CAIs has inspired several interpretations regarding the origin of short‐lived nuclides and the evolution of the solar nebula. Herein we show that hibonite‐bearing CAIs from Ningqiang, an ungrouped carbonaceous chondrite, also provide evidence for a bimodal distribution of ²⁶Al. Two hibonite aggregates and two hibonite‐pyroxene spherules show no ²⁶Mg excesses, corresponding to inferred ²⁶Al/²⁷Al < 8 × 10^?6. Two hibonite‐melilite spherules are indistinguishable from each other in terms of chemistry and mineralogy but have different Mg isotopic compositions. Hibonite and melilite in one of them display positive ²⁶Mg excesses (up to 25‰) that are correlated with Al/Mg with an inferred ²⁶Al/²⁷Al of (5.5 ± 0.6) × 10^?5. The other one contains normal Mg isotopes with an inferred ²⁶Al/²⁷Al < 3.4 × 10^?6. Hibonite in a hibonite‐spinel fragment displays large ²⁶Mg excesses (up to 38‰) that correlate with Al/Mg, with an inferred ²⁶Al/²⁷Al of (4.5 ± 0.8) × 10^?5. Prolonged formation duration and thermal alteration of hibonite‐bearing CAIs seem to be inconsistent with petrological and isotopic observations of Ningqiang. Our results support the theory of formation of ²⁶Al‐free/poor hibonite‐bearing CAIs prior to the injection of ²⁶Al into the solar nebula from a nearby stellar source.     

Petrography and mineralogy of the ungrouped type 3 carbonaceous chondrite Dar al Gani 978

Dar al Gani (DaG) 978 is an ungrouped type 3 carbonaceous chondrite. In this study, we report the petrography and mineralogy of Ca,Al‐rich inclusions (CAI), amoeboid olivine aggregates (AOAs), chondrules, mineral fragments, and the matrix in DaG 978. Twenty‐seven CAIs were found: 13 spinel‐diopside‐rich inclusions, 2 anorthite‐rich inclusions, 11 spinel‐troilite‐rich inclusions, and 1 spinel‐melilite‐rich inclusion. Most CAIs have a layered texture that indicates a condensation origin and are most similar to those in R chondrites. Compound chondrules represent a high proportion (approximately 8%) of chondrules in DaG 978, which indicates a local dusty chondrule‐forming region and multiple heating events. Most spinel and olivine in DaG 978 are highly Fe‐rich, which corresponds to a petrologic type of >3.5 and a maximum metamorphic temperature of approximately 850–950 K. This conclusion is also supported by other observations in DaG 978: the presence of coarse inclusions of silicate and phosphate in Fe‐Ni metal, restricted Ni‐Co distributions in kamacite and taenite, and low S concentrations in the matrix. Mineralogic records of iron‐alkali‐halogen metasomatism, such as platy and porous olivine, magnetite, hedenbergite, nepheline, Na‐rich in CAIs, and chlorapatite, are present, but relatively limited, in DaG 978. The fine‐grained, intergrowth texture of spinel‐troilite‐rich inclusions was probably formed by reaction between pre‐existing Al‐rich silicates and shock‐induced, high‐temperature S‐rich gas on the surface of the parent body of DaG 978. A shock‐induced vein is present in the matrix of DaG 978, which indicates that the parent body of DaG 978 at least experienced a shock event with a shock stage up to S3.     

Plagioclase‐rich chondrules in the reduced CV chondrites: Evidence for complex formation history and genetic links between calcium‐aluminum‐rich inclusions and ferromagnesian chondrules

Abstract— Plagioclase‐rich chondrules (PRCs) in the reduced CV chondrites Efremovka, Leoville, Vigarano and Grosvenor Mountains (GRO) 94329 consist of magnesian low‐Ca pyroxene, Al‐Ti‐Cr‐rich pigeonite and augite, forsterite, anorthitic plagioclase, FeNi‐metal‐sulfide nodules, and crystalline mesostasis composed of silica, anorthitic plagioclase and Al‐Ti‐Cr‐rich augite. The silica grains in the mesostases of the CV PRCs are typically replaced by hedenbergitic pyroxenes, whereas anorthitic plagioclase is replaced by feldspathoids (nepheline and minor sodalite). Some of the PRCs contain regions that are texturally and mineralogically similar to type I chondrules and consist of forsterite, low‐Ca pyroxene and abundant FeNi‐metal nodules. Several PRCs are surrounded by igneous rims or form independent compound objects. Twelve PRCs contain relic calcium‐aluminum‐rich inclusions (CAIs) composed of anorthite, spinel, high‐Ca pyroxene, ± forsterite, and ± Al‐rich low‐Ca pyroxene. Anorthite of these CAIs is generally more heavily replaced by feldspathoids than anorthitic plagioclase of the host chondrules. This suggests that either the alteration predated formation of the PRCs or that anorthite of the relic CAIs was more susceptible to the alteration than anorthitic plagioclase of the host chondrules. These observations and the presence of igneous rims around PRCs and independent compound PRCs suggest that the CV PRCs may have had a complex, multistage formation history compared to a more simple formation history of the CR PRCs. Relatively high abundances of moderately‐volatile elements such as Cr, Mn and Si in the PRCs suggests that these chondrules could not have been produced by volatilization of ferromagnesian chondrule precursors or by melting of refractory materials only. We infer instead that PRCs in carbonaceous chondrites formed by melting of the reduced chondrule precursors (magnesian olivine and pyroxene, FeNi‐metal) mixed with refractory materials (relic CAIs) composed of anorthite, spinel, high‐Ca pyroxene, and forsterite. The mineralogical, chemical and textural similarities of the PRCs in several carbonaceous chondrite groups (CV, CO, CH, CR) and common presence of relic CAIs in these chondrules suggest that PRCs may have formed in the region(s) intermediate between the regions where CAIs and ferromagnesian chondrules originated.     

Petrology and origin of amoeboid olivine aggregates in CR chondrites

Abstract— Amoeboid olivine aggregates (AOAs) are irregularly shaped, fine‐grained aggregates of olivine and Ca, Al‐rich minerals and are important primitive components of CR chondrites. The AOAs in CR chondrites contain FeNi metal, and some AOAs contain Mn‐rich forsterite with up to 0.7 MnO and Mn:Fe ratios greater than one. Additionally, AOAs in the CR chondrites do not contain secondary phases (nepheline and fayalitic olivine) that are found in AOAs in some CV chondrites. The AOAs in CR chondrites record a complex petrogenetic history that included nebular gas‐solid condensation, reaction of minerals with the nebular gas, small degrees of melting, and sintering of the assemblage. A condensation origin for the Mn‐rich forsterite is proposed. The Mn‐rich forsterite found in IDPs, unequilibrated ordinary chondrite matrix, and AOAs in CR chondrites may have had a similar origin. A type A calcium, aluminum‐rich inclusion (CAI) with an AOA attached to its Wark‐Lovering rim is also described. This discovery reveals a temporal relationship between AOAs and type A inclusions. Additionally, a thin layer of forsterite is present as part of the Wark‐Lovering rim, revealing the crystallization of olivine at the end stages of Wark‐Lovering rim formation. The Ca, Al‐rich nodules in the AOAs may be petrogenetically related to the Ca, Al‐rich minerals in Wark‐Lovering rims on type A CAIs. AOAs are chondrite components that condensed during the final stage of Wark‐Lovering rim formation but, in general, were temporally, spatially, or kinetically isolated from reacting with the nebula vapor during condensation of the lower temperature minerals that were commonly present as chondrule precursors.     

Whole‐rock 26Al‐26Mg systematics of amoeboid olivine aggregates from the oxidized CV3 carbonaceous chondrite Allende

Abstract– We report on mineralogy, petrography, and whole‐rock ²⁶Al‐²⁶Mg systematics of eight amoeboid olivine aggregates (AOAs) from the oxidized CV chondrite Allende. The AOAs consist of forsteritic olivine, opaque nodules, and variable amounts of Ca,Al‐rich inclusions (CAIs) of different types, and show evidence for alteration to varying degrees. Melilite and anorthite are replaced by nepheline, sodalite, and grossular; spinel is enriched in FeO; opaque nodules are replaced by Fe,Ni‐sulfides, ferroan olivine and Ca,Fe‐rich pyroxenes; forsteritic olivine is enriched in FeO and often overgrown by ferroan olivine. The AOAs are surrounded by fine‐grained, matrix‐like rims composed mainly of ferroan olivine and by a discontinuous layer of Ca,Fe‐rich silicates. These observations indicate that AOAs experienced in situ elemental open‐system iron‐alkali‐halogen metasomatic alteration during which Fe, Na, Cl, and Si were introduced, whereas Ca was removed from AOAs and used to form the Ca,Fe‐rich silicate rims around AOAs. The whole‐rock ²⁶Al‐²⁶Mg systematics of the Allende AOAs plot above the isochron of the whole‐rock Allende CAIs with a slope of (5.23 ± 0.13) × 10^?5 reported by Jacobsen et al. (2008) . In contrast, whole‐rock ²⁶Al‐²⁶Mg isotope systematics of CAIs and AOAs from the reduced CV chondrite Efremovka define a single isochron with a slope of (5.25± 0.01) × 10^?5 ( Larsen et al. 2011 ). We infer that the excesses in ²⁶Mg* present in Allende AOAs are due to their late‐stage open‐system metasomatic alteration. Thus, the ²⁶Al‐²⁶Mg isotope systematics of Allende CAIs and AOAs are disturbed by parent body alteration processes, and may not be suitable for high‐precision chronology of the early solar system events and processes.     

Mineralogy and petrography of amoeboid olivine aggregates from the reduced CV3 chondrites Efremovka,Leoville and Vigarano: Products of nebular condensation,accretion and annealing

Abstract— Amoeboid olivine aggregates (AOAs) from the reduced CV chondrites Efremovka, Leoville and Vigarano are irregularly‐shaped objects, up to 5 mm in size, composed of forsteritic olivine (Fa_<10) and a refractory, Ca, Al‐rich component. The AOAs are depleted in moderately volatile elements (Mn, Cr, Na, K), Fe, Ni‐metal and sulfides and contain no low‐Ca pyroxene. The refractory component consists of fine‐grained calcium‐aluminum‐rich inclusions (CAIs) composed of Al‐diopside, anorthite (An₁₀₀), and magnesium‐rich spinel (～1 wt% FeO) or fine‐grained intergrowths of these minerals; secondary nepheline and sodalite are very minor. This indicates that AOAs from the reduced CV chondrites are more pristine than those from the oxidized CV chondrites Allende and Mokoia. Although AOAs from the reduced CV chondrites show evidence for high‐temperature nebular annealing (e.g., forsterite grain boundaries form 120° triple junctions) and possibly a minor degree of melting of Al‐diopside‐anorthite materials, none of the AOAs studied appear to have experienced extensive (>50%) melting. We infer that AOAs are aggregates of high‐temperature nebular condensates, which formed in CAI‐forming regions, and that they were absent from chondrule‐forming regions at the time of chondrule formation. The absence of low‐Ca pyroxene and depletion in moderately volatile elements (Mn, Cr, Na, K) suggest that AOAs were either removed from CAI‐forming regions prior to condensation of these elements and low‐Ca pyroxene or gas‐solid condensation of low‐Ca‐pyroxene was kinetically inhibited.     

Bulk Mg isotopic compositions of Ca‐Al‐rich inclusions and amoeboid olivine aggregates

Abstract— High‐precision Mg isotopic compositions of Ca‐Al‐rich inclusions (CAIs) from both Ningqiang (ungrouped) and Allende (CV3) carbonaceous chondrites and amoeboid olivine aggregations (AOAs) from Allende were analyzed by multicollector inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (MC‐ICP‐MS). The CAIs from Allende plot on a line, with an inferred initial ²⁶Al/²⁷Al ratio of (4.77 ± 0.39) × 10^?5 close to the canonical value. This indicates a relatively closed Al‐Mg system in the CAIs and no significant Mg isotope exchange with ambient materials, although two of the CAIs are severely altered. The AOAs contain excess ²⁶Mg and plot close to the CAI regression line, which is suggestive of their contemporary formation. The CAIs from Ningqiang define a different line with a lower inferred (²⁶Al/²⁷Al)₀ ratio of (3.56 ± 0.08) × 10^?5. None of the CAIs and AOAs studied in this work shows significant mass fractionation with enrichment of the heavier Mg isotopes, arguing against an evaporation origin.     

Refractory materials in comet samples

Transmission electron microscope examination of more than 250 fragments, >1 μm from comet Wild 2 and a giant cluster interplanetary dust particle (GCP) of probable cometary origin has revealed four new calcium‐aluminum‐rich inclusions (CAIs), an amoeboid olivine aggregate (AOA), and an additional AOA or Al‐rich chondrule (ARC) object. All of the CAIs have concentric mineral structures and are composed of spinel + anorthite cores surrounded by Al,Ti clinopyroxenes and are similar to two previous CAIs discovered in Wild 2. All of the cometary refractory objects are of moderate refractory character. The mineral assemblages, textures, and bulk compositions of the comet CAIs are similar to nodules in fine‐grained, spinel‐rich inclusions (FGIs) found in primitive chondrites and like the nodules may be nebular condensates that were altered via solid–gas reactions in the solar nebula. Oxygen isotopes collected on one Wild 2 CAI also match FGIs. The lack of the most refractory inclusions in the comet samples may reflect the higher abundances of small moderately refractory CAI nodules that were produced in the nebula and the small sample sizes collected. In the comet samples, approximately 2–3% of all fragments larger than 1 μm, by number, are CAIs and nearly 50% of all bulbous Stardust tracks contain at least one CAI. We estimate that ~0.5 volume % of Wild 2 material and ~1 volume % of GCP is in the form of CAIs. ARCs and AOAs account for <1% of the Wild 2 and GCP grains by number.