Hi Jeff,
Thank you for your inquiry.
I had a discussion on the phone with the lead scientist last night regarding
the weathering level of NWA 3163 would be after the question was brought up
by a collector. He basically stated that due to the very low amount of
caliche and virtually no interior staining, that he would suggest the
weathering grade would be very low, perhaps W1 if he had to apply the grade
(which he did not in his submitted classification).
We are still waiting for the terrestrial age. I know this does not determine
the weathering level, but may help in this case due to the current
weathering grade rules (as you kindly listed below). I suppose it is all up
to interpretation for this type of meteorite and I guess one could compare
this lunar meteorite to another similar one and could make an educated guess
or suggestion of weathering level.
Perhaps the scientific community and/or NomCom can come up with a scientific
way to determine weathering levels for meteorites of this type, which
lack significant metal and sulfide. They might be able to use the Apollo
samples which have small clasts of the same material to use as a guide? Just
a thought.
Best regards,
Greg
----- Original Message -----
From: "Jeff Grossman" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
To: <[email protected]>
Sent: Wednesday, November 02, 2005 10:51 AM
Subject: Re: [meteorite-list] New Lunar Meteorite Discovered - NWA 3163
Just out of curiosity, how can you determine the
weathering level of a meteorite like this, which
lacks significant metal and sulfide? The scale
up to W4 is defined by these and only these minerals:
W0: No visible oxidation of metal or sulfide. A limonitic staining may be
noticeable in transmitted light.
W1: Minor oxide rims around metal and troilite; minor oxide veins.
W2: Moderate oxidation of metal, about 20-60% being affected.
W3: Heavy oxidation of metal and troilite, 60-95% being replaced.
W4: Complete (>95%) oxidation of metal and troilite.
jeff
At 10:33 AM 11/2/2005, Greg Hupe wrote:
Hi Martin and list,
The scientists believe the terrestrial age of the new lunar, NWA 3163, will
show to be very low as to the lack of weathering, which he states is most
likely a weathering level of W1. Results will be forthcoming and I will
share the new data as it becomes available.
Best regards,
Greg
----- Original Message ----- From: "Martin Altmann"
<[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
To: "Greg Hupe" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>;
<[email protected]>
Sent: Wednesday, November 02, 2005 6:28 AM
Subject: Re: [meteorite-list] New Lunar Meteorite Discovered - NWA 3163
Exciting stuff!
Do you have hints yet about the terrestial age?
Jelously,
Buckleboo
----- Original Message ----- From: "Greg Hupe" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
To: "Matson, Robert" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
Cc: <[email protected]>
Sent: Wednesday, November 02, 2005 2:04 AM
Subject: Re: [meteorite-list] New Lunar Meteorite Discovered - NWA 3163
Hi Rob and list members,
I am more than happy to share the pictures. In fact, here is a list of
the
largest specimens with photo links:
1,121g main mass
http://www.lunarrock.com/nwa3163/more/nwa3163mainmass.jpg
74.1g complete slice, polished both sides (SOLD)
http://www.lunarrock.com/nwa3163/nwa3163slice2c.jpg
48.7g complete slice, polished both sides
http://www.lunarrock.com/nwa3163/more/nwa3163-48_7.jpg
45.2g complete slice, polished both sides
http://www.lunarrock.com/nwa3163/more/nwa3163-45_2.jpg
25.3g part slice, polished one side
http://www.lunarrock.com/nwa3163/more/nwa3163-25_3.jpg
23.7g complete slice, polished one side
http://www.lunarrock.com/nwa3163/more/nwa3163-23_7.jpg
12.1g end cut, polished face
http://www.lunarrock.com/nwa3163/more/nwa3163-12_1.jpg
7.1g part slice, polished one side
http://www.lunarrock.com/nwa3163/more/nwa3163-7_1.jpg
7g complete slice, polished one side
http://www.lunarrock.com/nwa3163/more/nwa3163-7.jpg
I have many smaller part slices which I have not photographed yet.
Take care and enjoy the pictures,
Greg
----- Original Message ----- From: "Matson, Robert"
<[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
To: "'Greg Hupe'" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>;
<[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, November 01, 2005 7:24 PM
Subject: RE: [meteorite-list] New Lunar Meteorite Discovered - NWA 3163
Beautiful lunar meteorite, Greg! Thanks for the links to all the drool-
producing images! I'm sure are resident lunatic Norbert will agree...
--Rob
-----Original Message-----
From: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
[mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]
Sent: Tuesday, November 01, 2005 3:53 PM
To: [email protected]
Subject: [meteorite-list] New Lunar Meteorite Discovered - NWA 3163
Dear List Members,
I am very pleased to announce the discovery of a new Lunar meteorite, NWA
3163.
Here is what we know at this point:
NWA 3163 (Provisional) - Ultra-Rare Lunar Feldspathic Granulite Meteorite
A single 1,634 gram meteorite, believed to have been found in Mauritania
or
Algeria, was purchased in Morocco in August 2005 by Greg Hupé, who
thought
at first that it may be an unusual eucrite or diogenite. Actually it is
a
Lunar Feldspathic Granulite and represents the largest known sample of
this
rare rock type available for scientific study. It is composed primarily
of
maskelynite (shocked plagioclase) with lesser amounts of pyroxene,
olivine,
chromite and other minerals. This extremely rare type of lunar rock is
known from small clasts in a few Apollo 15, 16 and 17 samples.
Click here for image of Main Mass
http://www.lunarrock.com/nwa3163/nwa3163a.jpg
<snip>
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______________________________________________
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Dr. Jeffrey N. Grossman phone: (703) 648-6184
US Geological Survey fax: (703) 648-6383
954 National Center
Reston, VA 20192, USA
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