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chondrites of petrologic type 3 |
| The least metamorphosed chondrites are the type 3, also called unequilibrated chondrites. The chemical composition (forsterite, fayalite) of grains in type 3 can vary widely. They are one of the most important source of information about our early solar system. |
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Dar al Gani 632 : LL3.2-3.4
Highly unequilibrated, |
Total mass : 340 gr Only one specimen found in October 1998 on Dar al Gani plateau, no pairing until now. |
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| Chondrules in type 3 are plentiful and show various shapes and sizes.
Well-defined chondrules with round shape occur in metamorphosed types: 4, 5 and 6. The heating process on chondrite parent bodies leads to a recrystallization and an homogenization of the chondrules. In type 3, edges of the chondrules are less-distinct and tiny metal droplets can be found inside or on the rim. |
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Dar al Gani 632 : LL3.2
metal droplets inside a chondrule |
| metal rim
(scale X20) |
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Dar al Gani 862 : H3
Mineralogically, olivine compositions have a wide range from Fa 0.33 to 32.29, as do the forsterite that range from Fs 1.09 to 32.21 |
Total mass : 294 gr In appearance, this meteorite resembles the LL3.5 chondrite Ragland, New Mexico, especially in the number of chondrules seen in a cut section. |
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We prepared polished slices of these unpaired meteorites. There are only a few grams available. Half of the mass of each find is kept for institutions, museums and scientific studies. |
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