Antarctic Meteorite Petrographic Description

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Sample Petrographic Description

Sample Number

ALH 77257

Newsletter

1,2

Location

Allan Hills

Field Number

Y78010201

Dimensions

~16 x 11 x 9.5

Weight

1995.70

Original Classification

Achondrite

Updated Classification

Ureilite

Mineral Composition (%Fa & %Fs)

Fayalite (mol%): 14;Ferrosilite (mol%): 12

Weathering

Fracturing

Macroscopic Description -

Approximately one-half of the sample's surface is rounded and mostly covered with fusion crust ~2 mm thick. This crust is dark brown with areas of reddish (iron oxide?) staining. Small areas of the fusion crust have been plucked revealing crystalline structure. The remaining two-thirds of the sample consists of three planes which are fracture surfaces. These surfaces are crystalline, rough on a mm scale, and show no evidence of fusion crust. The fracture surfaces are dark brownish-black and are moderately weathered with small patches of what appears to be iron oxide stain. Crystalline grains with well-developed crystal faces set in a black, fine-grained matrix make up the broken surface. Some grains are covered with a dark stain and others are milky white to clear. The small, white to clear anhedral grains are aligned in a strip across the broken surface (N & T views) and part of the fusion crust. The sample is not a complete stone. The small white anhedral grains are visible on the surface of the meteorite in the field photos. One grain was removed and placed in an aluminum cup and allowed to warm. The grain retained its original form after an hour of warm temperature.

Thin Section Description - Brian Mason

This meteorite is an achondrite (ureilite), consisting almost entirely of anhedral to subhedral olivine (~80%) and pyroxene (~15%); it is fairly coarse-grained, with olivine grains up to 4 min, pyroxene to 3 mm. The olivine grains show undulose extinction. The pyroxene shows coarse polysynthetic twinning. Grain boundaries are marked by a concentration of carbonaceous material; trace amounts of troilite and nickel-iron, partly altered to limonite, occur along grain boundaries. Microprobe analyses show olivine of variable compositions (Fa_9-23, average Fa₁₃) and with unusually high Ca (0.2-0.3%) and Cr (0.3-0.4%) contents. The pyroxene is a low-calcium clinopyroxene with composition average Wo₇En₈₁Fs₁₂. The meteorite is extremely resistant to cutting and polishing, which probably indicates the presence of diamond, as in other ureilites.

Antarctic Meteorite Images for Sample ALH 77257

Lab Photo(s) :

South Split Close Up View of Sample ALHA7725

Antarctic Meteorite Images for Sample ALH 77257

Thin Section Photo(s) :

Thin Section Photograph of Sample ALHA77257 in Cross-Polarized Light

Thin Section Photograph of Sample ALHA77257 in Plane-Polarized Light

References for Sample ALH77257

Brugier, Y. A., Barrat, J. A., Gueguen, B., Agranier, A., Yamaguchi, A., & Bischoff, A., 2019, Zinc isotopic variations in ureilites. , Geochimica et Cosmochimica Acta, 246 , 450-460 .

Simkus, D. N., Aponte, J. C., Elsila, J. E., Parker, E. T., Glavin, D. P., & Dworkin, J. P., 2019, Methodologies for Analyzing Soluble Organic Compounds in Extraterrestrial Samples: Amino Acids, Amines, Monocarboxylic Acids, Aldehydes, and Ketones. , Life, 9 , 47 .

Barrat, J. A., Sansjofre, P., Yamaguchi, A., Greenwood, R. C., & Gillet, P. , 2017, Carbon isotopic variation in ureilites: Evidence for an early, volatile-rich Inner Solar System. , Earth and Planetary Science Letters, 478 , 143-149 , http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.epsl.2017.08.039 .

Beard, S. P., & Swindle, T. D. , 2017, Search for evidence of source event grouping among ureilites. , Meteoritics & Planetary Science, 52 , 2343-2352 , doi:10.1111/maps.12939 .

Barrat, J. A., Jambon, A., Yamaguchi, A., Bischoff, A.,, Rouget, M. L., Liorzou, C., 2016, Partial melting of a C-rich asteroid: Lithophile trace elements in ureilites. , Geochimica et Cosmochimica Acta, 194 , 163-178 .

Budde, G., Kruijer, T. S, Fischer-Godde, M., Irving, A. J., Kleine, T., 2015, Planetesimal differentiation revealed by the Hf-W systematics of ureilites , Earth and Planetary Science Letters, 430 , 15-Nov-15 , 316-325 , ISSN 0012-821X , http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.epsl.2015.08.034 .

Barrat, J. A., Rouxel, O., Wang, K., Moynier, F., Yamaguchi, A., Bischoff, A., Langlade, J., 2015, Early stages of core segregation recorded by Fe isotopes in an asteroidal mantle , Earth and Planetary Science Letters, 419 , 1-Jun-15 , 93-100 , ISSN 0012-821X , http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.epsl.2015.03.026 .

Le Corre, L., Reddy, V., Sanchez, J. A., Dunn, T., Cloutis, E. A, Izawa, M. R. M, Mann, P., Nathues, A., 2015, Exploring exogenic sources for the olivine on Asteroid (4) Vesta , Icarus, 258 , 483-499 .

Goodrich, C. A., Sutton, S. R., Wirick, S., Jercinovic, M. J., 2013, Chromium valences in ureilite olivine and implications for ureilite petrogenesis , Geochimica et Cosmochimica Acta, 122 , 1-Dec-13 , 280-305 , ISSN 0016-7037 , http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.gca.2013.08.003 .

Goodrich, C. A., Ash, R. D., Van Orman, J. A., Domanik, K., McDonough, W. F., 2013, Metallic phases and siderophile elements in main group ureilites: Implications for ureilite petrogenesis , Geochimica et Cosmochimica Acta, 112 , 1-Jul-13 , 340-373 , ISSN 0016-7037 , http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.gca.2012.06.022 .

Burton, A. S., Elsila, J. E., Callahan, M. P., Martin, M. G., Glavin, D. P., Johnson, N. M., Dworkin, J. P., 2012, A propensity for n-ω-amino acids in thermally altered Antarctic meteorites. , Meteoritics & Planetary Science, 47 , 374-386 , http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1945-5100.2012.01341.x .

Armytage, R.M. G., Georg, R. B., Savage, P. S., Williams, H. M., Halliday, A. N., 2011, Silicon isotopes in meteorites and planetary core formation , Geochimica et Cosmochimica Acta, 75 Issue 13 , 1-Jul-11 , 3662-3676 , ISSN 0016-7037 , http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.gca.2011.03.044 .

Quitté, G., Markowski, A., Latkoczy, C., Gabriel, A., Pack, A., 2010, Iron-60 Heterogeneity and Incomplete Isotope Mixing in the Early Solar System. , The Astrophysical Journal, 720 , 1215-1224 .

Cloutis, E. A., Hudon, P., Romanek, C. S., Bishop, J. L., Reddy, V., Gaffey, M. J., Hardersen, P. S., 2010, Spectral reflectance properties of ureilites. , Meteoritics & Planetary Science, 45 , 1668-1694 , http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1945-5100.2010.01065.x .

Rochette, P., Gattacceca, J., Bourot-Denise, M., Consolmagno, G., Folco, L., Kohout, T., Pesonen, L., Sagnotti, L., 2009, Magnetic classification of stony meteorites: 3. Achondrites. , Meteoritics & Planetary Science, 44 , 405-427 , http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1945-5100.2009.tb00741.x .

Lee, D., Halliday, A. N., Singletary, S. J., Grove, T. L., 2009, 182Hf-182W chronometry and early differentiation of the ureilite parent body , Earth and Planetary Science Letters, 288 Issues 3-4 , 15-Nov-09 , 611-618 , ISSN 0012-821X , http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.epsl.2009.10.025 .

Leya, I., Schonbachler, M., Wiechert, U., Krähenbühl, U., Halliday, A. N., 2008, Titanium isotopes and the radial heterogeneity of the solar system , Earth and Planetary Science Letters, 266 Issues 3-4 , 29-Feb-08 , 233-244 , ISSN 0012-821X , http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.epsl.2007.10.017 .

Rankenburg, K., Humayun, M., Brandon, A. D., Herrin, J. S., 2008, Highly siderophile elements in ureilites , Geochimica et Cosmochimica Acta, 72 Issue 18 , 15-Sep-08 , 4642-4659 , ISSN 0016-7037 , http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.gca.2008.07.003 .

Rankenburg, K., Brandon, A. D., Humayun, M., 2007, Osmium isotope systematics of ureilites , Geochimica et Cosmochimica Acta, 71 Issue 9 , 1-May-07 , 2402-2413 , ISSN 0016-7037 , http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.gca.2007.02.015 .

Tribaudino, M., 2006, Microtextures and crystal chemistry of pigeonite in the ureilites ALHA77257, RKPA80239, Y-791538, and ALHA81101. , Meteoritics & Planetary Science, 41 , 979-988 , http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1945-5100.2006.tb00498.x .

Rubin, A. E., 2006, Shock, post-shock annealing, and post-annealing shock in ureilites. , Meteoritics & Planetary Science, 41 , 125-133 , http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1945-5100.2006.tb00197.x .

Schultz, L., Franke, L., 2004, Helium, neon, and argon in meteorites: A data collection. , Meteoritics & Planetary Science, 39 , 1889-1890 , http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1945-5100.2004.tb00083.x .

Britt, D. T., Consolmagno, G. J. S. J., 2003, Stony meteorite porosities and densities: A review of the data through 2001. , Meteoritics & Planetary Science, 38 , 1161-1180 .

Nakamuta, Y., Aoki, Y., 2000, Mineralogical evidence for the origin of diamond in ureilites. , Meteoritics & Planetary Science, 35 , 487-493 .

Benoit, P. H., Sears, D. W. G., Akridge, J. M. C., Bland, P. A., Berry, F. J., Pillinger, C. T., 2000, The non-trivial problem of meteorite pairing. , Meteoritics & Planetary Science, 35 , 393-417 .

Guan, Y., Crozaz, G., 2000, Light rare earth element enrichments in ureilites: A detailed ion microprobe study. , Meteoritics & Planetary Science, 35 , 131-144 .

Jull, A. J. T., Cloudt, S., Cielaszyk, E., 1998, . 14C terrestrial ages of meteorites from Victoria Land, Antarctica, and the infall rates of meteorites. , Geological Society, London, Special Publications, 140(1) , 75-91 .

Rubin, A. E., 1997, Mineralogy of meteorite groups. , Meteoritics & Planetary Science, 32 , 31-247 .

Clayton, R. N., Mayeda, T. K., 1996, Oxygen isotope studies of achondrites , Geochimica et Cosmochimica Acta, 60 Issue 11 , Jun-96 , 1999-2017 , ISSN 0016-7037 , http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/0016-7037(96)00074-9 .

Herpers, U., Vogt, S., Bremer, K., Hofmann, H. J., Suter, M., Wieler, R., Lange, H. J., Michel, R., 1995, Cosmogenic nuclides in differentiated antarctic meteorites: measurements and model calculations , Planetary and Space Science, 43 Issues 3-4 , March-April 1995 , 545-556 , ISSN 0032-0633 , http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/0032-0633(94)00191-S .

Wang, M. S., Lipschutz, M. E., 1995, Volatile trace elements in Antarctic ureilites. , Meteoritics, 30 , 319-324 .

Goodrich, C. A., Lugmair, G. W., 1995, Stalking the LREE-enriched component in ureilites , Geochimica et Cosmochimica Acta, 59 Issue 12 , Jun-95 , 2609-2620 , ISSN 0016-7037 , http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/0016-7037(95)00153-0 .

Hiroyuki, K., Kazuya, T., Akimasa, M., 1994, Raman frequencies of graphitic carbon in Antarctic ureilites. , Proceedings of the NIPR Symposium on Antarctic Meteorites, 7 , 252-261 , http://ci.nii.ac.jp/naid/110000030013/en/ .

Miyamoto, M., Furuta, T., Fujii, N., Mckay, D. S., Lofgren, G. E., Duke, M. B., 1993, The Mn-Fe negative correlation in olivines in ALHA 77257 ureilite. , Journal of Geophysical Research: Planets, 98 , 5301-5307 , http://dx.doi.org/10.1029/92JE02943 .

Sandford, S. A., 1993, The mid-infrared transmission spectra of Antarctic ureilites. , Meteoritics, 28 , 579-585 .

Warren, P. H., Kallemeyn, G. W., 1992, Explosive volcanism and the graphite-oxygen fugacity buffer on the parent asteroid(s) of the ureilite meteorites , Icarus, 100 Issue 1 , Nov-92 , 110-126 , ISSN 0019-1035 , http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/0019-1035(92)90022-Y .

Goodrich, C. A., 1992, Ureilites: A critical review. , Meteoritics, 27 , 327-352 .

Burns, R. G., Martinez, S. L., 1991, M”ssbauer spectra of olivine-rich achondrites-evidence for preterrestrial REDOX reactions. , Proceedings Lunar and Planetary Science Conference, 21 , 331-340 .

Kagi, H., Takahashi, K., Shimizu, H., Kitajima, F., Masuda, A., 1991, In-situ micro Raman studies on graphitic carbon in some Antarctic ureilites. , Antarctic Meteorite Research, 4 , 371-383 .

Salisbury, J. W., D'Aria, D. M., Jarosewich, E., 1991, Midinfrared (2.5–13.5 µm) reflectance spectra of powdered stony meteorites , Icarus, 92 Issue 2 , Aug-91 , 280-297 , ISSN 0019-1035 , http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/0019-1035(91)90052-U .

Spitz, A. H., Boynton, W. V., 1991, Trace element analysis of ureilites: New constraints on their petrogenesis , Geochimica et Cosmochimica Acta, 55 Issue 11 , Nov-91 , 3417-3430 , ISSN 0016-7037 , http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/0016-7037(91)90500-5 .

Goodrich, C. A., Patchett, P. J., Lugmair, G. W., Drake, M. J., 1991, Sm-Nd and Rb-Sr isotopic systematics of ureilites , Geochimica et Cosmochimica Acta, 55 Issue 3 , Mar-91 , 829-848 , ISSN 0016-7037 , http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/0016-7037(91)90345-6 .

Miyamoto, M., 1991, Differences in the degree of weathering between Antarctic and non-Antarctic meteorites inferred from infrared diffuse reflectance spectra , Geochimica et Cosmochimica Acta, 55 Issue 1 , Jan-91 , 89-98 , ISSN 0016-7037 , http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/0016-7037(91)90402-Q .

Jarosewich, E., 1990, Chemical analyses of meteorites: A compilation of stony and iron meteorite analyses. , Meteoritics, 25 , 323-337 .

Aylmer, D., Vogt, S., Herzog, G. F., Klein, J., Fink, D., Middleton, R., 1990, Low 10Be and 26Al contents of ureilites: Production at meteoroid surfaces , Geochimica et Cosmochimica Acta, 54 Issue 6 , Jun-90 , 1775-1784 , ISSN 0016-7037 , http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/0016-7037(90)90407-C .

Marvin, U. B., MacPherson, G. J., 1989, Field and Laboratory Investigations of Meteorites from Victoria Land and the Thiel Mountains Region, Antarctica 1982-1983 and 1983-1984. , Smithsonian Contributions to the Earth Sciences Number, 28 , 146 .

Schultz, L., Kruse, H., 1989, Helium, neon, and argon in meteorites—A data compilation. , Meteoritics, 24 , 155-172 .

Miyamoto, M., Matsuda, J. I., Ito, K., 1988, Raman spectroscopy of diamond in ureilite and implication for the origin of diamond. , Geophysical Research Letters, 15(12) , 1445-1448 .

Velbel, M. A., 1988, The Distribution and Significance of Evaporitic Weathering Products on Antarctic Meteorites. , Meteoritics, 23 , 151-159 .

Mayeda, T. K., Clayton, R. N., 1988, Formation of ureilites by nebular processes , Geochimica et Cosmochimica Acta, 52 Issue 5 , May-88 , 1313-1318 , ISSN 0016-7037 , http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/0016-7037(88)90286-4 .

Takeda, H., 1987, Mineralogy of Antarctic ureilites and a working hypothesis for their origin and evolution , Earth and Planetary Science Letters, 81 Issue 4 , Feb-87 , 358-370 , ISSN 0012-821X , http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/0012-821X(87)90123-3 .

Goodrich, C. A., Jones, J. H., Berkley, J. L., 1987, Origin and evolution of the ureilite parent magmas: Multi-stage igneous activity on a large parent body , Geochimica et Cosmochimica Acta, 51 Issue 9 , Sep-87 , 2255-2273 , ISSN 0016-7037 , http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/0016-7037(87)90279-1 .

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Grady, M. M., Wright, I. P., Swart, P. K., Pillinger, C. T., 1985, The carbon and nitrogen isotopic composition of ureilites: Implications for their genesis , Geochimica et Cosmochimica Acta, 49 Issue 4 , Apr-85 , 903-915 , ISSN 0016-7037 , http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/0016-7037(85)90306-0 .

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Biswas, S., Walsh, T. M., Ngo, H. T., Lipschutz, M. E., 1981, Trace element contents of selected Antarctic meteorites-II: Comparison with non-Antarctic specimens. , Memoirs of National Institute of Polar Research., Special Issue 20 , 221-228 .

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Antarctic Meteorite Petrographic Description

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