Mineralogy and Spectroscopy (VNIR and FTIR) of Mukundpura CM2: More Insights into the Aqueous Activity and Post Accretion History

Baliyan S., Moitra H., Sarkar S., Ray D., Panda D. K., Shukla A. D., Bhattacharya S., Gupta S.

82nd Annual Meeting of The Meteoritical Society 2019

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“The mineralogy of CM2 chondrites is very intriguing due to the higher phyllosilicate content (~70-80 vol%) in their matrix. Additionally, with the fine-grained nature of the matrix and difficulty in identifying crystalline and amorphous phases, the mineralogy of CM2 chondrites remains poorly constrained. Thus, using XRD for identification and quantification of phases is very useful for precise mineralogical characterisation. The VNIR and FTIR studies further facilitate proper identification of hydrous phases and therefore provide insights into the aqueous process occuring in the parent asteroids of the early Solar System. Laboratory studies of CM chondrites have further applications in linking remotely acquired spectra from the primitive asteroid targets during Hyabusa 2 (Ryugu) and OSIRIS REx (Bennu) missions. In this study, we examine the mineralogy and spectral characters of a newly fallen meteorite Mukundpura CM2 (June 6, 2017) and conduct phase identification, quantification and precise characterisation of the hydrated minerals vis-a-vis the extent and mineralogy of the alteration. “