The abundances of highly siderophile elements (HSE; including Re, Os, Ir, Ru, Pt, and Pd) and Re-Os isotopic systematics were determined for two fragments from ungrouped achondrite NWA 7325. Rhenium-Os systematics are consistent with closed-system behavior since formation or soon after. The abundances of the HSE were therefore largely unaffected by late-stage secondary processes such as shock or terrestrial weathering.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFNorthwest Africa (NWA) 6704 is a unique achondrite characterized by a near-chondritic major element composition with a remarkably intact igneous texture. To investigate the origin of this unique achondrite, we have conducted a combined petrologic, chemical, and Re-Os, O, and Ti isotopic study. The meteorite consists of orthopyroxene megacrysts (EnWoFs; Fe/Mn = 1.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFThe timing and nature of igneous activity recorded at a single Mars ejection site can be determined from the isotope analyses of Martian meteorites. Northwest Africa (NWA) 7635 has an Sm-Nd crystallization age of 2.403 ± 0.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFThe geochemistry of Martian meteorites provides a wealth of information about the solid planet and the surface and atmospheric processes that occurred on Mars. The degree to which Martian magmas may have assimilated crustal material, thus altering the geochemical signatures acquired from their mantle sources, is unclear. This issue features prominently in efforts to understand whether the source of light rare-earth elements in enriched shergottites lies in crustal material incorporated into melts or in mixing between enriched and depleted mantle reservoirs.
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