First occurrence of pyrophanite (MnTiO3) and baddeleyite (ZrO2) in an ordinary chondrite

An examination is conducted of the distinct optical and compositional zoning exhibited by a Mg-Al-chromite fragment in the Raguli H3.8 ordinary chondrite. Two end-member pyrophanite grains occur in the fragment's outer portion; this is noted to be the first occurrence of pyrophanite in conjunction with baddeleyite in an ordinary chondrite. Two alternative models are presented for the formation of the fragment: a multistage nebular melting process, and the fragment's formation on a metamorphosed parent body. The latter alternative is favored.