Characterization of Abadla 002 CM2: optical, mineralogical, compositional considerations
Abstract
The Abadla 002 meteorite is a relatively new find, discovered December of 2021. It was determined to be a Type 2 CM meteorite distinguished by containing chondrules, hydrated minerals, and refractory inclusions. Petrologic methods in this study of Abadla 002 CM2 include analysis by polarizing and reflected light microscope, micro-X-ray fluorescence, micro-X-ray diffraction, and electron microprobe analysis. This thesis provides a comprehensive petrological study of the chondrules (30 vol% abundance), refractory inclusions like calcium-aluminum inclusions (CAIs) (2.5 vol% abundance), fine grained rims, matrix, isolated mineral grains, sulfides/metals, and fusion crust within the Abadla 002 meteorite. The Abadla 002 samples lacked expected hibonite-bearing CAIs, only spinel-bearing CAIs were found. Other significant findings during this study include reaction rims within chondrules where olivine grains are centralized and surrounded by pyroxene minerals, an unusually textured olivine grain (Fa50), and well-defined elemental composition patterns of fine-grained rims around chondrules and CAIs within Abadla 002.