53Mn-53Cr dating of fayalite formation in the CV3 chondrite Mokoia: evidence for asteroidal alteration

Science. 1998 Dec 4;282(5395):1865-7. doi: 10.1126/science.282.5395.1865.

Abstract

Fayalite grains in chondrules in the oxidized, aqueously altered CV3 chondrite Mokoia have large excesses of radiogenic chromium-53. These excesses indicate the in situ decay of short-lived manganese-53 (half-life = 3.7 million years) and define an initial 53Mn/55Mn ratio of 2.32 (+/-0.18) x 10(-6). This ratio is comparable to values for carbonates in CI and CM chondrites and for several classes of differentiated meteorites. Mokoia fayalites formed 7 to 16 million years after Allende calcium-aluminum-rich inclusions, during hydrothermal activity on a geologically active asteroid after chondritic components had ceased forming in the solar nebula.

Publication types

  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Chromium Isotopes / analysis
  • Manganese / analysis
  • Meteoroids*
  • Minor Planets*
  • Oxides / analysis
  • Radioisotopes

Substances

  • Chromium Isotopes
  • Oxides
  • Radioisotopes
  • Manganese