[meteorite-list] Monthly Favourite - September 2007

[bernd.pauli at paulinet.de]

www.meteorites.com.au/favourite/september2007.html


This is surely an awesome CV3 chondrite that is full of surprises
and I am glad I purchased 6 specimens, 4 of which have these DI's.

Of special interest is the DI in Jeff's 1.55-gram complete slice.
Like my 4.97-gram specimen, it shows a comminuted matrix of very
small, distorted chondrules and mineral fragments and a medium-gray
rim that maybe represents shock-melted material. This rim is virtually
devoid of chondrules and only shows tiny mineral debris.

Jeff, have you already emailed Ted Bunch? Does he have some thoughts
on these DI's?

BTW, my 11.51-gram NWA 3118 features one of the most massive CAI's
(9.5 x 4 mm) I've ever seen in any of my carbonaceous chondrites with
the exception of the ones Eric Olsen sold some time ago - NWA 2140 ...
unfortunately not classified yet. One of the pieces from Eric has a CAI
measuring even 9.5 x 7.5 mm!

Another interesting feature of my 11.51-gram slice is that both chondrules
+ massive CAI show what is called "preferred orientation" and almost all
these chondrules are - just like this CAI - slightly or perceptibly oval.

Cheers,

Bernd


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