Chemical compositional study of 35 iron meteorites and its application in taxonomy

• Main Authors: Wang, D., Malvin, D. J., Wasson, J. T.
• Format: Other/Unknown Material
• Language: unknown
• Published: 1985
• Subjects: 91; Antarctic; Allan Hills; Antarc*
• Online Access: http://ntrs.nasa.gov/search.jsp?R=19860027626

Structural and compositional data are reported as a guide to the classification of 35 iron meteorites. The Xinjiang iron meteorite, previously classified as III AB, is reclassified as III E on the basis of its lower Ga/Ni and Ge/Ni ratios, its wider, swollen kamacite bands, and the ubiquitous presence of haxonite, (Fe,Ni)22C. The Dongling (III CD) appears not to be a new meteorite, but to be paired with the Nantan. Four Antarctic iron meteorites, IAB Allan Hills A77250, A77263, A77289, and A77290, are classified as a paired meteorite because of their similarities in structure and in concentrations of various elements. It is shown that Cu shares certain properties with Ga and Ge, which makes them excellent taxonomic parameters.