A new metal-rich chondrite grouplet

A new grouplet of primitive, metal-rich chondrites, here called the CB (C, carbonaceous; B, bencubbinite) chondrites, has been recognized. It includes Bencubbin, Weatherford, Hammadah al Hamra (HH) 237 and Queen Alexandra Range (QUE) 94411, paired with QUE 94627. Their mineral compositions, as well as their oxygen and nitrogen isotopic compositions, indicate that they are closely related to the CR and CH chondrites, all of which are members of the more inclusive CR clan. CB chondrites have much greater metal/silicate ratios than any other chondrite group, widely increasing the range of metal/silicate fractionation recorded in solar nebular processes. They also have the greatest moderately volatile lithophile element depletions of any chondritic materials. Metal has compositional trends and zoning patterns that suggest as primitive condensation origin, in contrast with metal from other chondrite groups. CB chondrites, as well as other CR clan chondrites, have much heavier nitrogen (higher ¹⁵N/¹⁴N) than that in other chondrite groups. The primitive characteristics of the CB chondrites suggest that they contain one of the best records of early nebular processes. Another chondrite, Grosvenor Mountains 95551, is petrographically similar to the CB chondrites, but its mineral and oxygen and nitrogen isotope compositions indicate that it formed from a different nebular reservoir.