Newsletter |
40,2 |
Location |
Dominion Range |
Field Number |
23567 |
Dimensions (cm) |
2.0 x 1.8 x 1.5 |
Weight (g) |
21.82 |
Original Classification |
Iron-IAB |
A/B |
A |
This small, equidimensional specimen has largely rounded surfaces and forms a somewhat pyramidal mass. One end exhibits an irregular, jagged surface with marked indentations. |
The section consists of a metallic matrix composed of kamacite grains with lengths of 1-4 mm and length to width ratio of 2:4. Nickel-rich schreibersite occurs within and between kamacite lamellae as a minor phase. Individual kamacite grains exhibit numerous and highly distorted Neumann bands indicative of extensive deformation, likely from shock. Graphite-rich nodules occur oriented in the direction of elongation of the kamacite grains and are of similar size to the kamacite lamellae. Graphite inclusions typically include minute metal grains and exhibit ragged edges with the metallic host. No sulfides are present within the graphite. No silicates were observed. The meteorite exhibits a ~0.5 mm thick fusion crust with α2 structure underlying that crust. Microprobe traverses across the iron indicate a composition of 7.2% Ni and 0.7% P. The meteorite is an iron, likely of group IAB, although it lacks the sulfide component typically found in IAB irons. |
The unusual properties of this iron prompted MWG to add it to the special list at the Fall 2017 meeting. |