Newsletter |
24,1 |
Location |
Queen Alexandra Range |
Field Number |
11685 |
Dimensions (cm) |
3.0 x 2.0 x 2.0 |
Weight (g) |
22.06 |
Original Classification |
Enstatite Meteorite Unusual |
Updated Classification |
Enstatite Meteorite Ungr |
Pairing |
QUE 94204;
QUE 97289;
QUE 97348;
QUE 99059;
QUE 99122;
QUE 99157;
QUE 99158;
QUE 99387;
|
Ferrosilite (mol%): 0-1 |
C |
C |
10% of the exterior surface of this achondrite is covered with thin brown/black patches of fusion crust. The meteorite is rusty, friable, and very fractured. The interior matrix has a rusty, sugary texture exhibiting elongated crystals, melted blebs and numerous inclusions. |
The section consists of mm-sized enstatite grains (Fs0-1), abundant SiO2, metal, troilite, daubreelite, alabandite and schreibersite. The latter phases often occur as rounded enclaves in the enstatite. QUE 99059 is almost certainly paired with the trio QUE 94204/97348/97289, although it differs from them in having abundant SiO2 instead of abundant feldspar. These meteorites are unusual aubrites or enstatite chondrite impact melt rocks. |
QUE 94204 and paired specimens were re-classified as ungrouped enstatite chondrites. The members of this pairing group share the same textures and mineralogy. Debate about their origin is ongoing and the "ungrouped" qualifier does not imply an impact or partial melting origin - it is neutral. See detailed discussion in van Niekerk, D., Keil, K., & Humayun, M. (2014). Petrogenesis of anomalous Queen Alexandra Range enstatite meteorites and their relation to enstatite chondrites, primitive enstatite achondrites, and aubrites. Meteoritics & Planetary Science, 49(3), 295-312. |