Sample No.: ALHA81260

Location: Allan Hills

Weight (g): 124.1

Field No.: 1432

Dimensions (cm): 4.5 x 5 x 3

Meteorite Type: E6 Chondrite

Macroscopic Description: Roberta Score

Weathered fusion crust covers approximately 80% of this meteorite fragment. The one fracture surface has a deep reddish-brown color. Evaporite deposit is abundant immediately beneath the fusion crust and occurs in minute quantities on the exterior surfaces. The stone is extremely hard to break. The interior matrix has an overall bluish-black color. Under the binocular microscope crystal faces are visible.

Thin Section (,3) Description: Brian Mason

Only vague traces of chondritic structure are visible in the section which consists largely of granular enstatite, with considerable nickel-iron (approximately 20%) and minor amounts of sulfides and plagioclase. Remnants of fusion crust are present. Weathering is minor, with a little limonitic staining around some metal grains. Microprobe analyses show the enstatite is almost pure MgSiO3 (CaO 0.8%, FeO 0.2%, Al2O3, TiO2, MnO 0.1%); plagioclase is somewhat variable in composition, An13-19. The meteorite is an E6 chondrite; the only other E6 chondrite from the Allan Hills, ALHA81021, is similar but appears to be more weathered. The possibility of pairing should be considered.