Lut 003        30°16’21"N, 59°21’23"E

Kerman, Iran

Found: 2013 Mar 21

Classification: Ordinary chondrite (L3)

History: A single stone found during an expedition in the Lut desert of Iran, on sand dunes known to locals as Rig-e Yalan. Two pieces totalling 25.8 g were donated to Cascadia on May 1, 2013.

Physical characteristics: Physical: Cut face shows a medium to dark brown interior with very little visible metal or sulfide. A few lighter colored chondrules are visible in hand specimen. White secondary mineralization is visible in one fracture. Exterior is covered by a dark brown weathering patina cut across by dark-colored fractures.

Petrography: (M. Hutson and A. Ruzicka, Cascadia). The meteorite is heavily brecciated on the scale of individual chondrules; clearly defined chondrules are relatively rare. Finer-grained areas consist of smaller chondrule and mineral fragments. Abundant low-calcium clinopyroxene is easily observed in cross-polarized light. The meteorite is crossed by numerous weathering veins. In thin section, approximately 60-70% of the metal and troilite has been converted to weathering product. Total opaques (weathering product + troilite + rare metal) comprise between 5 to 10% of the meteorite. Diameters of 31 chondrules/chondrule fragments average 620 μm.

Geochemistry: Compositions of measured phases are variable, and include olivine Fa_18.7±8.2 (median Fa_19.7) (N=25), and low-Ca pyroxene Wo_1.1±0.65Fs_16.1±6.1En_82.8±6.4 (N=16).

Classification: A fragmental L3 chondrite is suggested by texture, mineral chemistry, chondrule size, and abundance of opaque minerals.

Specimens: Two pieces (19.0 and 3.8 g), one polished thin section, and a stub are on deposit at Cascadia. Mr. Maziar Nazari and Mr. Kiyan Babazadeh hold the main mass (PO Box 17665-414, Tehran, Iran).