Petrography, mineralogy, and geochemistry of lunar meteorite Sayh al Uhaymir 300

Other

Scientific paper

Rate now

  [ 0.00 ] – not rated yet Voters 0   Comments 0

Details

5

Ion Probe, Lunar Meteorites, Rare Earth Element (Ree)

Scientific paper

We report here the petrography, mineralogy, and geochemistry of lunar meteorite Sayh al Uhaymir 300 (SaU 300). SaU 300 is dominated by a fine-grained crystalline matrix surrounding mineral fragments (plagioclase, pyroxene, olivine, and ilmenite) and lithic clasts (mainly feldspathic to noritic). Mare basalt and KREEPy rocks are absent. Glass melt veins and impact melts are present, indicating that the rock has been subjected to a second impact event. FeNi metal and troilite grains were observed in the matrix. Major element concentrations of SaU 300 (Al2O3 21.6 wt? and FeO 8.16 wt?) are very similar to those of two basalt-bearing feldspathic regolith breccias: Calcalong Creek and Yamato (Y-) 983885. However, the rare earth element (REE) abundances and pattern of SaU 300 resemble the patterns of feldspathic highlands meteorites (e.g., Queen Alexandra Range (QUE) 93069 and Dar al Gani (DaG) 400), and the average lunar highlands crust. It has a relatively LREE-enriched (7 to 10 ? CI) pattern with a positive Eu anomaly (˜11 ? CI). Values of Fe/Mn ratios of olivine, pyroxene, and the bulk sample are essentially consistent with a lunar origin. SaU 300 also contains high siderophile abundances with a chondritic Ni/Ir ratio. SaU 300 has experienced moderate terrestrial weathering as its bulk Sr concentration is elevated compared to other lunar meteorites and Apollo and Luna samples. Mineral chemistry and trace element abundances of SaU 300 fall within the ranges of lunar feldspathic meteorites and FAN rocks. SaU 300 is a feldspathic impact-melt breccia predominantly composed of feldspathic highlands rocks with a small amount of mafic component. With a bulk Mg? of 0.67, it is the most mafic of the feldspathic meteorites and represents a lunar surface composition distinct from any other known lunar meteorites. On the basis of its low Th concentration (0.46 ppm) and its lack of KREEPy and mare basaltic components, the source region of SaU 300 could have been within a highland terrain, a great distance from the Imbrium impact basin, probably on the far side of the Moon.

No associations

LandOfFree

Say what you really think

Search LandOfFree.com for scientists and scientific papers. Rate them and share your experience with other people.

Rating

Petrography, mineralogy, and geochemistry of lunar meteorite Sayh al Uhaymir 300 does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this scientific paper.

If you have personal experience with Petrography, mineralogy, and geochemistry of lunar meteorite Sayh al Uhaymir 300, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Petrography, mineralogy, and geochemistry of lunar meteorite Sayh al Uhaymir 300 will most certainly appreciate the feedback.

Rate now

     

Profile ID: LFWR-SCP-O-750711

  Search
All data on this website is collected from public sources. Our data reflects the most accurate information available at the time of publication.