Chemistry of Yamato-791197 Antarctic meteorite: Evidence for its lunar highland origin

• Main Authors: Fukuoka,Takaaki, Laul,J.C., Smith,M.R., Hughes,S.S., Schmitt,R.A.
• Format: Report
• Language: English
• Published: Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Gakushuin University/Chemical Technology Department, Battelle, Pacific Northwest Laboratories/Chemical Technology Department, Battelle, Pacific Northwest Laboratories/Department of Chemistry and Geology and the Radiation Center, Oregon State University/Department of Chemistry and Geology and the Radiation Center, Oregon State University 1986
• Subjects: Antarctic; The ''Y''; Yamato; Antarc*; Memoirs of National Institute of Polar Research; Polar Research
• Online Access: https://nipr.repo.nii.ac.jp/?action=repository_uri&item_id=1954; http://id.nii.ac.jp/1291/00001954/; https://nipr.repo.nii.ac.jp/?action=repository_action_common_download&item_id=1954&item_no=1&attribute_id=18&file_no=1

We report chemical data for 33 major, minor and trace elements in one clast, two matrices and two bulk samples of the Yamato-791197 meteorite by instrumental neutron activation analysis (INAA). Based on the well-established characteristic lunar and meteoritic ratios of FeO/MnO, (Cr)_2O_3/V and K/La, and the large-ion lithophile (LIL) element patterns, the Y-791197 meteorite is undoubtedly an anorthositic gabbro breccia of lunar highland origin. The similarity of chemical compositions of the Y-791197 and ALHA81005 meteorites suggests that both meteorites may have been ejected from the same lunar region. Based on the overall chemical abundances and the very low K_2O content, it is suggested that both meteorites originated from the far side of the moon. The similar Ir/Ni/Au ratios of the Y-791197 and ALHA81005 meteorites suggest that they may be related to one and the same impact event.