Petrology and thermal history of type IA chondrules in the Semarkona (LL3.0) chondrite

Detailed petrologic studies have been made of 15 type IA, Fe-poor, porphyritic olivine chondrules in Semarkona (LL3.0). Major and minor element concentrations in olivines, pyroxenes, and mesostases, and bulk composition so the chondrules are measured along with zoning profiles in the olivine and pyroxene crystals. The mineral compositions and textures are best interpreted in terms of closed system crystallization in which the olivines and pyroxenes crystallized in situ from a melt corresponding to the bulk composition of the chondrule. Relict olivine grains are not found in the chondrules. Crystallization probably occurred at a cooling rate of the order of 1000 C/hr. Precursor materials of the chondrules were composed of two components, one refractory Ca-, Al-, and Ti-rich, and one less refractory Si-, Fe-, Cr-, and Mn-rich. The evidence is consistent with Semarkona being one of the least metamorphosed ordinary chondrites.