Observations on the Fe-Si-Mg relationship in chondrites

Abstract The Fe-Si-Mg relationship in chondrites, as represented on a triangular diagram and Si-Mg fractionation are considered. The possibility of utilizing some of these relationships for chondrite classification and assignment are discussed. Though Si-Mg fractionation between enstatite-chondrites, carbonaceous chondrites (including the olivine-pigeonite group) and the common chondrites (olivine-bronzite and olivine-hypersthene) is now well established, it has not been possible to ascertain whether fractionation between the olivine-bronzite and olivine-hypersthene chondrites has taken place; present evidence indicates that there might be slight fractionation. References