Lewis Cliff 86134 meteorite, Lewis Cliff, Buckley Island quadrangle, Eastern Antarctica, Antarcticai

Regional Level Types
Lewis Cliff 86134 meteorite	Meteorite Fall Location
Lewis Cliff	Cliff
Buckley Island quadrangle	Quadrangle
Eastern Antarctica	Region
Antarctica	Continent

Primitive Ordinary Chondrite (L3.0; S3; W3)
Found 1986; 28.9 g

The meteoritic stone labelled Lewis Cliff 86134 (or, LEW 86134) was recovered in 1986 and may be a fragment of a fall involving several other Lewis Cliff recoveries (See below). The meteorite consists primarily of abundant and distinct chondrules and fragments within a dark coherent matrix with olivine the predominant mineral in both chondrules and clasts. Olivine- and pyroxene-rich chondrules reaching 2 mm in diameter are found in various chondrule types [PO, BO, POP, RP…] and may be rimmed by dark matrix. Minor amounts of glass and feldspar are also found. A few scattered grains of Fe-Ni metal and troilite are apparent at first glance, but closer inspection in reflected light reveal very small blebs both at chondrule rims and within the matrix. The range in olivine and pyroxene composition (Fa2-24; Fs1-20, respectively) is characteristic of primitive type 3 ordinary chondrites. Indeed, Lewis Cliff 86134 has been highlighted in the Atlas of Meteorites as an example of petrologic type 3.0, the most primitive subtype allowable for ordinary chondrites. Mosaicism in olivine indicates moderately strong shock (level 3) and pervasive limonite staining and rust are indicative of significant weathering (grade W3).

Lewis Cliff 86134 has been classified as a member of the Lewis Cliff 86127 pairing group, a set of primitive L3 chondrites with very similar features. There are, however, some differences in their classifications as listed at the Meteoritical Bulletin Database as Lewis Cliff 86134 is the only pairing group member classified as subtype L3.0. It may be that Lewis Cliff 86134 was indeed separated from the other fragments of the pairing group only after entering the earth's atmosphere. That appears to be the implications of the pairing group assignments. (It is, however, also conceivable that chance and circumstance have simply brought one or more fragments of the same parent body or daughter asteroid closer together after a long separation.)

Other Regions, Features and Areas containing this locality

References