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Igneous history of the aubrite parent asteroid - Evidence from the Norton County enstatite achondriteNumerous specimens of the Norton County enstatite achondrite (aubrite) were studied by optical microscopy, electron microprobe, and neutron-activation analysis. Norton County is found to be a fragmental impact breccia, consisting of a clastic matrix made mostly of crushed enstatite, into which are embedded a variety of mineral and lithic clasts of both igneous and impact melt origin. The Norton County precursor materials were igneous rocks, mostly plutonic orthopyroxenites, not grains formed by condensation from the solar nebula. The Mg-silicate-rich aubrite parent body experienced extensive melting and igneous differentiation, causing formation of diverse lithologies including dunites, plutonic orthopyroxenites, plutonic pyroxenites, and plagioclase-silica rocks. The presence of impact melt breccias (the microporphyritic clasts and the diopside-plagioclase-silica clast) of still different compositions further attests to the lithologic diversity of the aubrite parent body.
Document ID
19880051719
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Reprint (Version printed in journal)
Authors
Okada, Akihiko
(Institute of Physical and Chemical Research Wako, Japan)
Keil, Klaus
(Institute of Physical and Chemical Research Saitama, Japan)
Taylor, G. Jeffrey
(Institute of Physical and Chemical Research Saitama, Japan)
Newsom, Horton
(New Mexico, University Albuquerque, United States)
Date Acquired
August 13, 2013
Publication Date
March 1, 1988
Publication Information
Publication: Meteoritics
Volume: 23
ISSN: 0026-1114
Subject Category
Lunar And Planetary Exploration
Accession Number
88A38946
Funding Number(s)
CONTRACT_GRANT: NGL-32-004-064
CONTRACT_GRANT: NAG9-30
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Other

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