M. Kimura1,5, J. A. Barrat2, M. K. Weisberg3,4, N. Imae5, A. Yamaguchi5, H. Kojima5
1Faculty of Science, Ibaraki University, Mito, Japan
2Université Européenne de Bretagne, 2CNRS UMR 6538 (Domaines Océaniques), U.B.O.-I.U.E.M., Plouzané Cedex, France
3Department of Physical Sciences, Kingsborough College and Graduate School of the City University of New York, Brooklyn, New York, USA
4Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences, American Museum of Natural History, New York, New York, USA
5National Institute of Polar Research, Tokyo, Japan
Carbonaceous chondrites are classified into several groups. However, some are ungrouped. We studied one such ungrouped chondrite, Y-82094, previously classified as a CO. In this chondrite, chondrules occupy 78 vol%, and the matrix is distinctly poor in abundance (11 vol%), compared with CO and other C chondrites. The average chondrule size is 0.33 mm, different from that in C chondrites. Although these features are similar to those in ordinary chondrites, Y-82094 contains 3 vol% Ca-Al-rich inclusions and 5% amoeboid olivine aggregates (AOAs). Also, the bulk composition resembles that of CO chondrites, except for the volatile elements, which are highly depleted. The oxygen isotopic composition of Y-82094 is within the range of CO and CV chondrites. Therefore, Y-82094 is an ungrouped C chondrite, not similar to any other C chondrite previously reported. Thin FeO-rich rims on AOA olivine and the mode of occurrence of Ni-rich metal in the chondrules indicate that Y-82094 is petrologic type 3.2. The extremely low abundance of type II chondrules and high abundance of Fe-Ni metal in the chondrules suggest reducing condition during chondrule formation. The depletion of volatile elements indicates that the components formed under high-temperature conditions, and accreted to the parent body of Y-82094. Our study suggests a wider range of formation conditions than currently recorded by the major C chondrite groups. Additionally, Y-82094 may represent a new, previously unsampled, asteroidal body.
Reference
Kimura M, Barrat JA, Weisberg MK, Imae N, Yamaguchi A and Kojima H (in press) Petrology and bulk chemistry of Yamato-82094, a new type of carbonaceous chondrite. Meteoritics & Planetary Science
[doi:10.1111/maps.12254]
Published by arrangement with John Wiley & Sons