Dhofar 730

Oman

Found 2002 November 9

Lunar meteorite (anorthositic impact melt breccia)

A light-grey stone weighing 108 g was found in the Dhofar region of Oman. Mineralogy and classification (M. Nazarov, Vernad; L. Taylor, UTenn): fusion crust is absent; lithic clasts and mineral fragments set within a fine-grained impact melt matrix; the lithic clast population is dominated by impact-melt breccias and cataclastic granulitic and igneous rocks of anorthositic and troctolitic compositions; rare dunite fragments are present; feldspar, An_86–98; orthopyroxene, Wo_2–4En_56–85; clinopyroxene; Wo_6–46En_14–71; olivine, Fo_55–92 (Fe/Mn ≈ 86 at). Accessory minerals include: chromite, Cr-pleonaste, armalcolite, ilmenite, silica, troilite, and FeNi metal (6–48 wt% Ni; 1–2.4 wt% Co); the stone is moderately weathered; calcite, gypsum, celestite, barite, and Fe hydroxides are present. The meteorite may be paired with Dho 302, 303, 305, 306, 307, 309, 310, 311, and 731 found nearby. Specimens: type specimens of 22 g, and a thin section, Vernad; main mass with anonymous finder.