Thermal metamorphism of primitive meteorites—I. Variation of six trace elements in Allende carbonaceous chondrite heated at 400–1000°C

Abstract

Determination by neutron activation of 6 trace elements retained in Allende (C3) samples heated at 400–1000°C for 1 week in a low-pressure (initially ~10 −5 atm H 2) atmosphere reveals loss of small proportions of Ga and Se and large proportions of Bi, In and Tl-Co being unaffected. The retentivity patterns for the 5 volatile elements differ and in no way duplicate a step-function. In contrast to these trace elements, sulfur is initially present in discrete mineral(s) and visually it appears to be released over a narrow temperature range. Elements are lost more easily from powder than from chips but the difference is ≤35 per cent. Above 600°C, the process of loss appears due to process(es) with apparent activation energies of 2 kcal/mole (Bi, Tl), 4 kcal/mole (Se) and 22 kcal/mole (In). Loss of Bi, Se and Tl below 600°C involves higher apparent activation energies. Two-element correlation diagrams involving Bi, In and Tl are consistent with the idea that trends among highly-volatile elements in enstatite chondrites arise from metamorphism.