A survey of shergottite, nakhlite and chassigny meteorites whole-rock compositions

Abstract

Literature data on major and trace elemental abundances and water contents of the shergottite, nakhlite, and chassigny (SNC) meteorites are compiled and evaluated. The individual members of the SNC group are relatively homogeneous, and representative average compositions for each meteorite can be computed from multiple data reported in the literature. Major element abundances are used to calculate normative compositions and densities. The data survey shows that our knowledge of whole rock abundances in SNC meteorites is very limited for many elements and that more basic analytical work is needed. © Meteoritical Society, 1998.