Zirconium and hafnium in meteorites

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The ratio of the two refractory trace elements zirconium (Zr) and hafnium (Hf) in meteorites has been proposed to be uniform. The most precise value available is 34.3+/-0.2 (1σ). It was obtained by isotope dilution ICP-MS applied to 15 chondrites, most of which were carbonaceous chondrites, and six achondrites. We reinvestigated the case and determined Zr/Hf ratios of a broad spectrum of meteoritic samples via laser ablation ICP-MS. Our sample suite comprised 29 chondrites and five achondrites. The main objective of the study was two-fold: we intended to verify the accuracy and precision of a relatively fast and inexpensive sample preparation method combined with expeditious laser ablation ICP-MS techniques. Furthermore, we were looking into the possibility of systematic fine-scale Zr/Hf variations among bulk meteoritic matter of different classes. The applied fusion technique together with laser ablation ICP-MS turned out to be well suited to determine relative refractory trace element abundances. Absolute Zr/Hf ratios yield uncertainties of approximately 4% (1σ). As opposed to the most recent findings, we observed variable Zr/Hf ratios in different meteorites ranging from approximately 28 to approximately 38. Our value for Orgueil (CI1) is 34.0+/-0.3 (1σ). Including literature data, we propose a solar system value of 34.1+/-0.3. Our data also suggest that H chondrites tend to exhibit higher Zr/Hf ratios (average of 35.6+/-0.5 [1σ]) while EL6 chondrites rather show low values (average of 30.8+/-0.6 [1σ]). In addition to examining Zr/Hf ratios, we also explored the content of refractory major elements in different meteorite groups. Here, we found that EL6 chondrites often show very low Ca/Al ratios. The CI1 value for CaO/Al2O3 is 0.804. EL6 chondrites, however, display ratios as low as approximately 0.3. While the variation in Zr/Hf can be explained by fractional condensation processes in the early solar nebula, the observed low Ca/Al ratios in EL6 chondrites are probably attributable to deficits in oldhamite (CaS).

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