Sample Petrographic Description
Sample Number | QUE 97289 |
Newsletter | 22,2 |
Location | Queen Alexandra Range |
Field Number | 11541 |
Dimensions (cm) | 4.5 x 3.0 x 2.0 |
Weight (g) | 51.90 |
Original Classification | Aubrite |
Updated Classification | Enstatite Meteorite Ungr |
Pairing | QUE 94204; QUE 97289; QUE 97348; QUE 99059; QUE 99122; QUE 99157; QUE 99158; QUE 99387; |
Mineral Composition (%Fa & %Fs) | |
Ferrosilite (mol%): 0.1 | |
Weathering | |
C | |
Fracturing | |
C | |
Macroscopic Description - Kathleen McBride | |
This aubrite is extremely altered and is very rusty inside and out. It has small thin patches of fusion crust that comprise less than 5% of the surface area. It is very friable and crumbles easily. QUE97348 contains mm-sized inclusions. | |
Thin Section Description (,2) - Tim McCoy | |
The section consists of mm-sized enstatite grains (Fs0.1), reasonably abundant (10% or more?) feldspar of variable composition (An4-35), Si-bearing metal (1.9 wt.% Si), Ti-bearing troilite, daubreelite, alabandite and schreibersite. The latter phases often occur as rounded enclaves in the enstatite. The meteorite is an unusual aubrite. It is similar in many respects to LEW 88055 (Casanova et al., 1993, LPSC XXIV, 259-260). | |
Reclassification Notes (AMN 31,1) | |
Reclassified as Enstatite Ungrouped in AMN 31,1. Paired with QUE 94204. QUE 94204 and paired specimens were re-classified as ungrouped enstatite chondrites. The members of this pairing group share the same textures and mineralogy. Debate about their origin is ongoing and the "ungrouped" qualifier does not imply an impact or partial melting origin - it is neutral. See detailed discussion in van Niekerk, D., Keil, K., & Humayun, M. (2014). Petrogenesis of anomalous Queen Alexandra Range enstatite meteorites and their relation to enstatite chondrites, primitive enstatite achondrites, and aubrites. Meteoritics & Planetary Science, 49(3), 295-312. |
Antarctic Meteorite Images for Sample QUE 97289 | ||||
Lab Photo(s) : | ||||
Antarctic Meteorite Images for Sample QUE 97289 | ||||
Thin Section Photo(s) : | ||||
References for Sample QUE97289 | |
Van Niekerk, D., Keil, K., Humayun, M., 2014, Petrogenesis of anomalous Queen Alexandra Range enstatite meteorites and their relation to enstatite chondrites, primitive enstatite achondrites, and aubrites. Meteoritics & Planetary Science, 49, 295-312. | |
Bogard, D. D., Dixon, E. T., Garrison, D. H., 2010, Ar-Ar ages and thermal histories of enstatite meteorites. Meteoritics & Planetary Science, 45, 723-742, http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1945-5100.2010.01060.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. | |
Lorenzetti, S., Eugster, O., Busemann, H., Marti, K., Burbine, T. H., Mccoy, T., 2003, History and origin of aubrites. Geochimica et Cosmochimica Acta, 67 Issue 3, 1-Feb-03, 557-571, ISSN 0016-7037, http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/S0016-7037(02)01085-2. |