Sample No.: ALHA78103

Location: Allan Hills

Field No.: 243

Weight (gms): 589.7

Meteorite Type: L6 Chondrite

Physical Description:

The rounded specimen is approximately 11 x 7 x 4 cm.. The entire sample, with possible exception of a small patch of remnant fusion crust on the E surface, is weathered and stained by iron-oxidation. The B surface is the less severely weathered of all the surfaces, and several chondrules, 3-5 mm in diameter, are apparent. The matrix of the sample is greenish-gray. Several fractures are present on the T surface. The sample broke along at fracture during processing of the meteorite. Some oxidation halos, and some metallic flakes are visible in the greenish gray matrix of the sample, The sample appears to have a weathering rind, ~3 mm. in depth, along the T surface. The sample cannot be magnetically orientated.

Petrographic Description: Brian Mason

Chondrules are sparse and have diffuse margins which tend to merge with the granular matrix, which consists of olivine and pyroxene with minor subequal amounts of nickel-iron and troilite, some plagioclase,- and accessory chromite. Minor limonitic staining is present around nickel-iron grains. Well-preserved fusion crust, 0.5 mm thick, is present along one edge. Microprobe analyses give the following compositions: olivine, Fa24; pyroxene, Fs20; plagioclase, An 10. The meteorite is an L6 chondrite. ALHA78103 is an L6 chondrite similar to ALHA78104 in all respects.