Comparative analysis of the Baszkówka and Mt. Tazerzait chondrites: genetic conclusions based on astrophysical data and the mineralogical and petrological data

Abstract

The L5 chondrites Baszkówka and Mt. Tazerzait are characterised. Their astronomical, mineralogical and petrological characteristics confirm that these meteorites are similar. They could be derived from the same parent body, though from the different depths below its surface. A third meteorite — the Tjerebon — might have arisen from the same swarm of meteoroids. The parent body to these meteorites in the asteroid belt can not be established at present. The porosity, of these chondrites suggests that they formed close to the surface of their parent asteroid. The process of formation of the parent rock of the Baszkówka chondrite is similar in some respects to sedimentation of a weakly compacted terrestrial sandstone. Thus, a two-stage geological history may be envisaged: firstly formation of the component minerals and mineral aggregates of this meteorite. Then, later in a different environment, the accretion of fragments of this parent material, together with a small amount of matrix, into a strongly porous sedimentary rock.