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Free keywords:
solar nebula; meteorite; enstatite chondrite; reduction; migration
Abstract:
The Qingzhen and Yamato 691 (EH3) enstatite chondrites, which formed under extremely reducing conditions, are studied using the scanning electron microscope and electron probe microanalyzer. Both meteorites contain FeO-rich silicates and minor Ca, Al-rich inclusions. Most FeO-rich silicates are Ca- poor pyroxenes and occur as fragments in matrix. A few grains of FeO-rich silicates were found in chondrules, and FeO-rich olivine is rare. In Qingzhen, FeO-rich silicates commonly contain abundant dust-like Ni-poor metals, which probably formed through reduction of FeO. In contrast, only a few fragments of FeO-rich silicates in Yamato 691 enclose dust-like metals. This difference is consistent with a more reducing condition of Qingzhen than Yamato 691. Ca, Al-rich inclusions have similar modal compositions and mineral chemistry as their counterparts in carbonaceous chondrites. We suggest that (1) the FeO-rich silicates probably formed in oxidized regions of the solar nebula, and then moved into the enstatite chondrite locations; and (2) Ca, Al-rich inclusions in both enstatite chondrites and carbonaceous chondrites may have similar origins and reservoirs.
