Dhofar 311

Oman

Found 2001 April 14

Lunar meteorite (anorthositic impact melt breccia)

A small light-grey stone weighing 4 g was found in the Dhofar region of Oman. Mineralogy and classification (S. Demidova, Vernad; L. Taylor, UTenn): fusion crust is absent; mineral fragments and rounded lithic clasts occur within a fine-grained to cryptocrystalline impact-melt matrix; the lithic clast population comprises impact-melt breccias, as well as cataclastic granulitic and igneous rocks of anorthositic and troctolitic compositions; clasts of impact-melt breccias are most abundant and typically show breccia-in-breccia textures; feldspar, An_95–98; orthopyroxene, Wo_2–5En_45–85; clinopyroxene; Wo_6–45En_40–74, olivine, Fo_57–88 (Fe/Mn ≈ 91 at); accessory minerals include: Cr-pleonaste, Al-chromite, troilite, and FeNi metal (3–27 wt% Ni; 0.2–1.9 wt% Co); the stone is moderately weathered; calcite, gypsum, celestite, barite, and Fe hydroxides are present. Dho 311 was found 25 m from Dho 280, but the meteorites are very different in weathering grade and lithology. Dho 311 is most similar in texture and mineral chemistry to Dho 303 found nearby. The meteorites may be paired. Pairing with Dho 302, 305, 306, 307, 309, 310, 730, and 731 is also possible. Specimens: type specimen of 1.7 g plus a thin section, Vernad; main mass with anonymous finder.