Morocco
December 2003
Carbonaceous chondrite (CV3)
History: Hundreds of fragments (total weight of 5895 g) were purchased in Erfoud, Morocco in December 2003 by A. and G. Hupé. Other collectors or dealers (T. Boswell, E. Olsen and B. Reed, among others) have recently sent us CV3 samples that are probably paired with NWA 3118. An accurate TKW is unknown, but probably exceeds 8 kg.
Description and Classification: (T. Bunch and J. Wittke, NAU) olive gray to tan in color depending on the degree of weathering. In thin section, much of the matrix has a pronounced "ripple" texture: subparallel, curvilinear thin bands of olivine grains (Fa32-36), up to 10 microns in size, enclose pod-like masses of micron to submicron Fe-rich olivine (Fa42-58), pyroxenes, sulfides and minor weathering products. Chondrules are typically <2 mm in diameter, although a few chondrules may be as large as 8 mm in diameter. Many types of small CAI inclusions are present and rarely exceed a few mm in diameter. Low weathering grade: no metal observed in the matrix, although some chondrules contain fresh metal.
Specimens: 20.3 g, NAU; main mass, Hupé.
Algeria
December 2005
Carbonaceous chondrite (CV3)
History and physical characteristics: In 2006, A. Aaronson purchased > 100 kg of many dark stones with smooth surfaces from desert polishing. The largest piece is 22.75 kg.
Petrography (T. Bunch and J. Wittke, NAU): Well-defined chondrules, chondrule fragments, and refractory inclusions are set in a slightly weathered matrix. CAIs are represented by Type A (a few are very large, up to 32 mm in diameter) and Type C are common, as are AOAs. Type B CAIs are rare in abundance. Modal analyses (vol. %): chondrules = 48; CAIs and AOAs = 14; matrix = 38. Shock level is S2.
Mineral compositions: Matrix olivine = Fa39-59; chondrule fragment olivine = Fa0.4-9.1.
Classification: Carbonaceous chondrite (CV3).
Type specimen: A total of 26 g is on deposit at NAU. The main mass holders are A. Aaronson(> 83 kg) and E. Olsen (32 kg).
| ID | Location | Date | Mass (g) | State | Fa | Fs | Comments |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| NWA 1152 | Tagounite, Morocco | 2000 | 98 | S2, W2/3 | 23 | - | Fa in chondrules |
| NWA 1934 | Rissani, Morocco | 6/2003 | 8000 | S1, W3 | 1.6-38.4 | - | - |
| NWA 1938 | Rissani, Morocco | 6/2003 | 20.6 | S1, W2 | 2.0-39.9 | - | (photograph below) |
| NWA 1940 | Erfoud, Morocco | 6/2003 | 1131 | S1, W2 | 1.2-44.6 | - | (photograph below) |
| NWA 2086 | Morocco | 11/2003 | 780 | S1, W1 | 1.8-41 | 3-35.5 | Click for picture |
| NWA 2105 | Erfoud, Morocco | 2003 | 167.5 | S2, W2-3 | 1.5-46 | 6.1-36.5 | - |
| NWA 2110 | Erfoud, Morocco | 2003 | 28 | S2, W4 | 1.7-39.6 | - | - |
| NWA 2140 | Erfoud, Morocco | 2003 | 314 | S1, W2 | 24.3 | 16.8 | - |
| NWA 2141 | Erfoud, Morocco | 2003 | 145 | S1, W0-1 | 34.6 | 15.6 | Allende-like; very fresh |
| NWA 2364 | Erfoud, Morocco | 2004 | 1493 | S2, W4 | 36.1-48.4 | - | Allende-like matrix (photograph below) |
| NWA 2636 | Erfoud, Morocco | 2004 | 51 | S1, W3 | 1.5-54.6 | - | numerous large CAIs |
| NWA 2637 | Erfoud, Morocco | 2004 | 71.5 | S1, W2 | 2.4-46.7 | - | - |
| NWA 3104 | Rissani, Morocco | 2003 | 54.6 | S2, W2 | 1.3-38.7 | - | (photograph below) |
| NWA 4539 | Erfoud, Morocco | 2006 | 483 | S2, W2 | 0.8-58.1 | 1.1-32 | Wo2.5; olivine with 0.0-0.33 wt. % NiO |
