Trace Element Contents of Selected Antarctic Meteorites.I. Weathering Effects and ALH A77005, A77257, A77278 and A77299

Abstract

We report data for volatile/mobile Ag, As. Au, Bi, Cd, Co, Cs, Cu, Ga, In, Rb, Sb, Se, Te, TI and Zn in exterior and/or interior samples of four Antarctic meteorites from the Allan Hills (ALH) : A77005 (unique achondrite) ; A77257 (ureilite) ; A77278 (L3) ; A77299 (113). Exterior samples reflect contamination and/or leaching by weathering but trace element (ppm-ppt) contents in interior samples seem reasonable for representatives of these rare meteoritic types. The A77005 achondrite seems related to shergottites; other samples extend compositional ranges previously known for their groups or types. With suitable precautions, Antarctic meteorite finds yield trace element data as reliable as those obtained from previously - known falls.