NULLARBOR-018 - A NEW L6 CHONDRITE FROM AUSTRALIA

A new meteorite find from the Nullarbor Plain in Australia was studied using optical, SEM, and electron microprobe techniques. The meteorite , Nullarbor 018, is an orthodox L6 chondrite that experienced minor-to -moderate alteration of metal during terrestrial weathering (grade A-B to B). During weathering, troilite was preferentially altered, and ro ughly 20% of the original complement of S in the meteorite was removed . Shock metamorphic effects corresponding to shock stage S4 (or shock facies d) are found, including the presence of some diaplectic feldspa r (maskelynite). The meteorite is not obviously paired with other find s from the Nullarbor region, but the possibility that it is paired can not be excluded.