[meteorite-list] AD-Stunning New Eucrite, Diogenite meteorites

From: Gary Fujihara <fujmon_at_meteoritecentral.com>
Date: Wed, 31 Aug 2011 08:06:00 -1000
Message-ID: <218831F8-D333-4932-8FF5-34898B2E622D_at_mac.com>

Aloha listoids,

I am pleased to announce a pair of new HED meteorites that I am sure you will find quite interesting.

NWA 6927 diogenite. A lot of 5 freshly crusted stones weighing 114g was purchased from a Moroccan dealer in March 2011. The meteorite was professionally cut and prepared by Montana Meteorite Laboratory and a sample submitted to Dr Tony Irving for analysis toward classification. This is a beautiful representation of a fresh diogenite, featuring stunning orthopyroxene crystals throughout a matrix speckled with abundant chromite and nickel-iron inclusions. Full slices of this meteorite have a polished finish on one side and come in a quality labeled large display box for protection and years of viewing pleasure. Scale cube is 1cm on each side and not included in the sale. NWA 6927 is available now on a first come, first served basis.
http://bigkahuna-meteorites.com/NWA6927.html

NWA 6928 NORITIC DIOGENITE. At first glance this specimen was thought to be an unbrecciated basaltic eucrite, but after additional O isotope analysis, Dr Tony Irving believes that this is a rare specimen related to diogenites, as in fact one of only three known noritic diogenites. Scientists at University of Washington, among other research institutes, have been involved in a revision of the terminology for diogenites, expanding them from typical varieties (now called orthopyroxenitic diogenites) to harzburgitic diogenites (what we used to call olivine diogenites) and dunitic diogenites (like NWA 2968 and NWA 5784), and even to those with >10% plagioclase (logically noritic diogenites). NWA 6928 can in no way be a eucrite, because the pyroxene is not pigeonite, but instead orthopyroxene (with a composition way more magnesian and in the range for diogenites). Inclusions of chromite are present, and exhibits similar evidence for shock (undulose extinction, cataclasis) to that seen typically in (orthopyroxen
itic) diogenites. Dr Irving has conferred with Dr Ted Bunch on this analysis, who concurs.

There is no doubt this is an intriguing new meteorite, but until I receive the formal report from Dr Irving, all sales of NWA 6928 are suspended (previous sales will be honored). In the meantime, to whet your appetite for this rare and intriguing new meteorite, here are pictures of the uncut stone and polished slice:

NWA 6928 uncut stone
http://bigkahuna-meteorites.com/Images/NWA6928-MMa.jpg

NWA 6928 polished slice
http://bigkahuna-meteorites.com/Images/NWA6928-7.79a.jpg

Thanks for looking and have a great day!

Gary Fujihara
Big Kahuna Meteorites (IMCA#1693)
105 Puhili Place, Hilo, Hawai'i 96720
http://bigkahuna-meteorites.com/
http://shop.ebay.com/fujmon/m.html
(808) 640-9161
Received on Wed 31 Aug 2011 02:06:00 PM PDT