Collection: NWA 12343 CV3
Northwest Africa 12343 (NWA 12343)
(Northwest Africa)
Purchased: 2018 Mar
Classification: Carbonaceous chondrite (CV3)
Petrography: (K. Metzler, IfP) Chondrules, CAIs and AOAs are embedded in a fine-grained dark matrix (about 30 vol% matrix). Most chondrules have apparent diameters between 0.3 and 1.5 mm, some up to 2.2 mm. Several chondrules show reddish staining due to terrestrial weathering. A slight alignement of chondrules is visible. CAIs with sizes of a few mm are observed.
Geochemistry: Mineral compositions and geochemistry: Random measurements of olivine grains revealed Fa7.4±2.7 (Fa1.3-12.7; n=26); n=23. Random measurements of low-Ca pyroxene grains revealed Fs1.8±0.8Wo1.6±1.2 (Fs0.8-3.6Wo0.8-4.4; n=13).
Classification: CV chondrite based on CAI and AOA occurrence, size of chondrules, chondrule-matrix ratio, and mineral chemistry. Petrologic type 3 based on the chemical variation of olivine and pyroxene.
