A microchondrule-bearing micrometeorite and comparison with microchondrules in CM chondrites
File(s)microchonrules.pdf (2.55 MB)
Accepted version
Author(s)
Type
Journal Article
Abstract
We report the discovery of a partially altered microchondrule within a fine-grained micrometeorite.This object is circular, <10μm in diameter and has a cryptocrystalline texture, internal zonation and a thin S-bearing rim. These features imply a period of post-accretion parent body aqueous alteration, in which the former glassy igneous texture was subject to hydration and phyllosilicate formation as well as leaching of fluid-mobile elements. We compare this microchondrule to three microchondrules found in two CM chondrites: Elephant Moraine (EET) 96029 and Murchison. In all instances, their formation appears closely linked to the late-stages of chondrule formation, chondrule recycling and fine-grained rim accretion. Likewise, they share cryptocrystalline textures and evidence of mild aqueous alteration and thus similar histories. We also investigate the host micrometeorite’s petrology, which includes an unusually Cr-rich mineralogy, containing both Mn-chromite spinel and low-Fe-Cr rich (LICE) anhydrous silicates. Because these two refractory phases cannot form together in a single geochemical reservoir under equilibrium condensation, this micrometeorite’s accretionary history requires a complex timeline with formation via non-equilibrium batch crystallization or accumulation of materials from large radial distances. In contrast, the bulk composition of this micrometeorite and its internal textures are consistent with a hydrated carbonaceous chondrite source. This micrometeorite is interpreted as a fragment of fine-grained rim material that once surrounded a larger parent chondrule and was derived from a primitive carbonaceous parent body; either a CM chondrite or Jupiter family comet.
Date Issued
2019-06
Date Acceptance
2019-02-25
Citation
Meteoritics and Planetary Science, 2019, 54 (6), pp.1303-1324
ISSN
1086-9379
Publisher
Wiley
Start Page
1303
End Page
1324
Journal / Book Title
Meteoritics and Planetary Science
Volume
54
Issue
6
Copyright Statement
© The Meteoritical Society, 2019. This is the peer reviewed version of the article, which has been published in final form at https://doi.org/10.1111/maps.13279. This article may be used for non-commercial purposes in accordance with Wiley Terms and Conditions for Use of Self-Archived Versions.
Sponsor
Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC)
Grant Number
ST/N000803/1
Subjects
Geochemistry & Geophysics
0201 Astronomical and Space Sciences
0402 Geochemistry
0403 Geology
Publication Status
Published
Date Publish Online
2019-03-27