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Compositional Controls on the Formation of Kaersutite Amphibole in Shergottite MeteoritesThe shergottite basalts, meteorites of Martian origin, contain rare small grains (approx. 10-100 microns diam.) of kaersutite, a Ca-amphibole rich in Al and Ti. Kaersutites have been used to estimate the water content of shergottites and the Martian mantle; however, questions remain about the original water content of the amphiboles and if they formed from magma. We investigated the petrographic settings of amphiboles in two shergottites and confirm that these amphiboles occur only in multiphase inclusions in pyroxene. In fact, kaersutite is found only in pigeonite. This suggests that the occurrence of amphibole is controlled in part by the composition of its host phase. Crystallization of host (cognate) pigeonite from a magmatic inclusion will enrich the remaining melt in Ca, Al, and Ti, supporting formation of kaersutite.
Document ID
20040059931
Acquisition Source
Johnson Space Center
Document Type
Conference Paper
Authors
Pitman, K. M.
(Louisiana State Univ. Baton Rouge, LA, United States)
Treiman, A. H.
(Lunar and Planetary Inst. Houston, TX, United States)
Date Acquired
August 21, 2013
Publication Date
January 1, 2004
Publication Information
Publication: Lunar and Planetary Science XXXV: Martian Meteorites: Petrology
Subject Category
Lunar And Planetary Science And Exploration
Funding Number(s)
CONTRACT_GRANT: NAGW-12184
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Public Use Permitted.
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