Chondrites definition

The O isotopes show signihcant heterogeneity between the different meteorite classes (Fig. 8a Clayton et al. 1976, 1977). Differences are small, but, each chondrite group has a distinct bulk O isotopic composition. O isotopes also indicate the close ties between the Earth and the Moon. O therefore can be used to identify members of a family that formed from a common reservoir, which is the definition of a tracer. Such differences are also formd between chondrules within the same meteorites related to their size (Gooding et al. 1983). This is a survival of the initial isotopic heterogeneity in already high temperature processed materials like chondrules. 

As already noted, spectral similarities between the various asteroid classes and specific types of meteorites provide a way to identify possible meteorite parent bodies. The Tholen and Barucci (1989) asteroid taxonomy has been interpreted as representing the types of meteorites shown in Table 11.1. Using the Bus et al. (2002) taxonomy, the C-complex asteroids are probably hydrated carbonaceous chondrites (e.g. Cl or CM). These carbonaceous chondrite asteroids probably accreted with ices and will be considered in Chapter 12. Some S-complex asteroids are ordinary chondrite parent bodies, but this superclass is very diverse and includes many other meteorite types as well. The X-complex includes objects with spectra that resemble enstatite chondrites and aubrites, and some irons and stony irons, although other X-complex asteroids are unlike known meteorite types. A few asteroid spectra are unique and provide more definitive connections, such as between 4 Vesta and... 

Melanine, ammelide and cyanuric acid were not detected in the HCOOH extracts and the identification of s-triazines previously reported does not prove that s-triazines are indigenous. This kind of compound can easily be formed during the experimental and analytical procedures. Nevertheless, this last conclusion is not definitive. As pointed out by Stoks and Schwartz33, the carbonaceous chondrites are far from homogenous. Important variations from sample to sample exist, even if all these samples are fragments of the same chondrite. Moreover, and as previously reported, the sample treatment is of prime importance. It can lead to the formation of secondary products or liberate molecules unobservable after milder treatment. To conclude, it seems clear that nitrogen heterocycles are present in carbonaceous chondrites and that pyrimidine derivatives are less abundant than purine derivatives. 

Conventionally, a chondrite group is defined as having a minimum of five unpaired chondrites of similar mineralogy, petrography, bulk isotopic properties, and bulk chemical compositions in major, nonvolatile elements. According to this definition, K chondrites could be considered as a grouplet there are only two known K chondrites (see K (Kakangari-like) chondrites). 

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