Chemical Analyses of the Murchison and Lost City Meteorites

Abstract

The abundances of 22 elements have been determined in the recently fallen Murchison and Lost City meteorites. Analyses were performed by 14‐MeV neutron activation, thermal neutron activation, and in a few cases by wet chemical techniques. On the basis of these data the composition of the Murchison chondrite is intermediate between previously reported analyses of Type II and Type III carbonaceous chondrites. The data for the Lost City chondrite in general agree well with mean values reported for H‐group ordinary chondrites. The low oxygen content of the Lost City chondrite suggests that previously reported oxygen abundances in H‐group falls may be too high due to oxidation in storage or weathering prior to collection

Laboratory experiments on the weathering of iron meteorites and carbonaceous chondrites by iron‐oxidizing bacteria

“…However, the soluble iron is a small percentage of the total iron in the material. In the Murchison meteorite, a range of iron contents between 204 to 237 mg/g is reported in five studies (Ehmann et al 1970;Jarosewich 1971;Fuchs et al 1973;Genge and Grady 1999;Wolf and Palme 2001) with a mean of 218.8 mg/g. Four studies report ranges of 194 to 234 mg/g in the Cold Bokkeveld meteorite (von Michaelis et al 1969;Wilk 1969;Genge and Grady 1999;Wolf and Palme 2001) with a mean of 209.6 mg/g.…”

‘Star Dust Memories’—A Brief History of the Murchison Carbonaceous Chondrite

“…Initial chemical classification of the meteorite was carried out by Ehmann et al (1970), Jarosewich (1971) and Lovering et al (1971). Fuchs et al (1973) In the 1960s, radioastronomy indicated the presence of carbon-rich molecules in space.…”

Rare Earth and Other Abundances in the Murchison Carbonaceous Meteorite

“…Approximately 100 kg of this carbonaceous chondrite was recovered. Ehmann et al (1970) have analyzed the Murchison meteorite for 22 elements and found that the composition is intermediate between a type II and type III carbonaceous chondrite. The bulk chemical analysis of this meteorite has also been reported by Jarosewich (1971).…”

“…These values are uncertain due to faulty positioning of the Nd standard during irradiation. c. Ehmann et al (1970) specimen: NMNH #4848.…”

“…These values are uncertain due to faulty positioning of the Nd standard during irradiation. c. Ehmann et al (1970) (instrumental) and RNAA (radiochemical) neutron activation analysis as described by Rey et al (1970) and Schmitt et al (1970).…”