[meteorite-list] My first classification - NWA 6696 (LL3.6)

From: Galactic Stone & Ironworks <meteoritemike_at_meteoritecentral.com>
Date: Fri, 29 Apr 2011 11:41:55 -0400
Message-ID: <BANLkTikMWtCPB3WkeYZoK+QUg72NcRqc7Q_at_mail.gmail.com>

Hi List,

Some new meteorites were added to the Met Bulletin today, including
some new lunars.

Hidden amongst the more exciting lunars is an unassuming LL3.6 - NWA 6696.

This small 10g stone came in a batch of unclassified NWA that I
purchased about 3 years ago. Upon windowing this small stone, I saw
an adundance of armored chondrules. At first glance, it resembled a
CR type. I posted some photos to this list, a minor discussion
ensued, and then the sample went off to the lab to be looked at by Dr.
Alan Rubin. Of course, it's not worthwhile for anyone to classify
such a small OC when the 20/20 classification sample would only be 2
grams. So I offered to reverse the usual 20/20 arrangement - I'd keep
2 grams and the lab could keep the 8g "main mass". Now the
classification is official.

I was hoping to sneak my name into the literature, but alas, I didn't
get to see my name in lights. LOL

It should be noted, that for collectors, this is going to be one of
those impossible to acquire NWAs. Given the low TKW and that 80% of
the mass is sitting at UCLA, that leaves a scant 2g on the collector
market. A while back, I swapped a small endcut to Greg Catterton and
I still retain a 1g slice that is polished on one side. If anyone
wants to make me an insane offer for the remaining 1g slice, I will
entertain all such offers. ;)


>From the write-up :

Northwest Africa 6696 (NWA 6696)

Morocco

Purchased: 2007

Classification: Ordinary chondrite (LL3.6)

Classification: Ordinary chondrite, LL3.7. The olivine Fa distribution
(Fa24.4?9.1) and low-Ca pyx Fs distribution (Fs12.3?7.1) are
appreciably more heterogeneous than those of Dhajala (type 3.8),
indicating a subtype <3.8. The meteorite contains abundant low-Ca
clinopyroxene with polysynthetic twinnning (indicating type <4) and
moderately abundant fine-grained matrix material (most consistent with
type 3.0-3.6). Clear chondrule glass is most abundant in type 3.0-3.5;
this meteorite lacks clear chondrule glass, implying a subtype >3.5.
Hence, 3.6 seems the most likely subtype.


Best regards,

MikeG

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Received on Fri 29 Apr 2011 11:41:55 AM PDT