Dhofar 732

Oman

Found 2002 November 15

Achondrite (ungrouped, orthopyroxene-rich)

A small brownish stone weighing 17 g was found in the Dhofar region of Oman. Mineralogy and classification (S. Demidova, Vernad; G. Kurat, NHMV): fusion crust is absent. The coarse-grained rock consists mainly of lath-shaped, zoned orthopyroxene (Wo0.4–5En82–96) and interstitial mesostasis (5–10%); minor rounded olivine (Fo93–95) grains are present; the mesostasis consists of clinopyroxene (Wo12– 40En54–81) and silica set within Ca, Al-rich, Na-poor glass; accessories are chromite, troilite, and FeNi metal (1.6–8.1 wt% Ni; 0.3–0.6 wt% Co); Fe/Mn of orthopyroxene (5–17 at.) is very low and clearly distinguishes the meteorite from diogenites; the stone is moderately weathered; there are abundant Fe hydroxide inclusions and holes in the rock. Oxygen isotope composition (R. N. Clayton, UChi): δ¹⁷O = +2.77‰, δ¹⁸O = +6.64‰ indicate a possible relation of the meteorite with silicate inclusions from IAB irons, winonaites or ureilites. Specimens: type specimens of 3.5 g, and a thin section, Vernad; main mass with anonymous finder.