Hammadah al Hamra 093 meteorite (HaH 093), Wadi al Shatii District, Libyai

Regional Level Types
Hammadah al Hamra 093 meteorite (HaH 093)	Meteorite Fall Location
Wadi al Shatii District	District
Libya	Country

Unequilibrated ordinary chondrite, breccia (LL3.9; S3; W3)
Found, 1995; 197 g, single stone

A single somewhat weathered meteoritic stone was recovered by an anonymous finder during an expedition to the Libyan Sahara. Thin sections reveal a chondritic texture of clearly delineated chondrules, chondrule fragments, and sundry opaques set within a fine-grained matrix. Chondrules [~0.4 - 2 mm in diameter] are mainly olivine and/or pyroxene rich with porphyritic or radial textures [PO,POP, RP] and are accompanied by smaller cryptocrystalline chondrules. Compound chondrules are not uncommon and a macrochondrule [4.6 mm] has been featured in a recent article. Many chondrules are intergrown with the matrix and are frequently rimmed by opaques. Reflected light reveals interstitial — and sometimes apparently intrusive — aggregates of Fe-Ni metal and troilite with minor pentlandite between the chondrules. Nearly equilibrated olivine (Fa31) and pyroxene (Fs24.5) composition and textures suggest the LL3.9 classification. Undulose extinction of fractured olivine grains indicate moderate shock (level S3). Small veins of metal and silicates are also found. Rust-colored staining (limonite) of silicates and iron oxides within the matrix suggest easily noticed, but still moderate weathering (grade W3).

A cosmic ray exposure age of ~11 Ma and gas retention age of ~4.5 Ga are reported [Ne21; Ar40, respectively].

Other Regions, Features and Areas containing this locality

References