The Noritic mineralogy of V- and S-type objects and the links with asteroid (4) VestaOPEN ACCESS
B.G. Rider-Stokes, A.Y.C. Wong, T.H. Burbine, E. MacLennan, R.C. Greenwood, S.L. Jackson, M. Anand, L.F. White, M.M. Grady
Icarus, In Press, Journal Pre-proof, Available online 8 October 2025
“Highlights
- We measure the spectroscopic properties of two plagioclase-rich ungrouped achondrites.
- The samples show close mineralogical and isotopic similarities to the HEDs.
- However, spectrally, one of the samples classifies as a S-type.
- This is due to the high proportion of plagioclase subduing the pyroxene bands.
- Indicating that HED-like material can be represented by multiple asteroid complexes.”
“Ungrouped achondrites with affinities to Howardite-Eucrite-Diogenite (HED) meteorites offer critical insights into the diversity of differentiated bodies in the inner Solar System. They can help address the longstanding discrepancy between V-type asteroids related to the asteroid (4) Vesta and those that show similar characteristics but lack a dynamical relationship. In this study, we present new spectral, mineralogical, and oxygen isotopic analyses of two ungrouped achondritic meteorites. Al Bir Lahlou 001 exhibits strong compositional and spectral similarities to typical V-type asteroids, while Wan Zawatin 001 shows unexpected affinities to S-type asteroids. These findings suggest a more complex evolutionary history for differentiated asteroids than previously recognized and support the existence of multiple asteroidal bodies with HED-like characteristics. Our results highlight the importance of continued investigation into ungrouped achondrites to better understand the formation, distribution, and evolution of differentiated material beyond the Vesta family.”
