Yamato 82050 meteorite, Queen Fabiola Mts, Queen Maud Land, Eastern Antarctica, Antarcticai

Regional Level Types
Yamato 82050 meteorite	Meteorite Fall Location
Queen Fabiola Mts	Mountain Range
Queen Maud Land	Region
Eastern Antarctica	Region
Antarctica	Continent

Carbonaceous Chondrite (CO3.2)
Find, 1981; 1.907 g

Yamato 82050 (Y-82050) is a moderately large meteorite recovered from Antarctica. As a CO3 (Ornans-like) carbonaceous chondrite, it is characterized by its near solar bulk Mg/Si ratios, distinctive O-isotopes plus small chondrules and refractory inclusions which occupy ~50 vol% of the meteorite. Its matrix is presumably comprised of low-Ca pyroxene grains,olivine, phyllosilicates, and various unequilibrated silicate grains. However, specific information about the matrix has not been published in widely available English-language publications. What have been published are some detailed analyses of Y-82050's spinel-rich CAI inclusions. These inclusions contain telltale signs of alteration from their original complement of high-T condensates (e.g., melilite, anorthite, …) into nepheline, hercynite, and a number of other phases. Zoned olivine crystals and diopside-rich inclusion rims are perhaps the best indicators of the mild metamorphism which altered what still remains a remarkably primitive meteorite.


Y-82050 is the 2nd most massive of the eleven CO3.2 carbonaceous chondrites listed at The Meteoritical Society's 'Meteoritical Bulletin Database' as of mid-July 2015. The list includes 8 Northwest Africa meteorites (possibly representing a very small number of actual falls). Thus Y-82050 qualifies as a truly rare meteorite specimen.

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