The lherzolitic shergottite Grove Mountains 99027: Rare earth element geochemistry

Abstract

We report here on an ion probe study of rare earth element (REE) geochemistry in the lherzolitic shergottite Grove Mountains (GRV) 99027. This meteorite shows almost identical mineralogy, petrology, and REE geochemistry to those of the lherzolitic shergottites Allan Hills (ALH) A77005, Lewis Cliff (LEW) 88516, and Yamato (Y-) 793605. REE concentrations in olivine, pyroxenes, maskelynite, merrillite, and melt glass are basically comparable to previous data obtained from ALH A77005, LEW 88516, and Y-793605. Olivine is the dominant phase in this meteorite. It is commonly enclosed by large (up to several mm) pigeonite oikocrysts. Non-poikilitic areas consist of larger olivine grains (~mm), pigeonite, augite, and maskelynite. Minor merrillite (up to 150 m in size) is widespread in non-poikilitic regions, occurring interstitially between olivine and pyroxene grains. It is the main REE carrier in GRV 99027 and has relatively higher REEs (200-1000 x CI) than that of other lherzolitic shergottites. A REE budget calculation for GRV 99027 yields a whole rock REE pattern very similar to that of other lherzolites. It is characterized by the distinctive light REE depletion and a smooth increase from light REEs to heavy REEs. REE microdistributions in GRV 99027 strongly support the idea that all lherzolitic shergottites formed by identical igneous processes, probably from the same magma chamber on Mars. Despite many similarities in mineralogy, petrography, and trace element geochemistry, subtle differences exist between GRV 99027 and other lherzolitic shergottites. GRV 99027 has relatively uniform mineral compositions (both major elements and REEs), implying that it suffered a higher degree of sub-solidus equilibration than the other three lherzolites. It is notable that GRV 99027 has experienced terrestrial weathering in the Antarctic environment, as its olivine and pyroxenes commonly display a light REE enrichment and a negative Ce anomaly. Caution needs to be taken in future chronological studies.