Dhofar 125: A New Acapulcoite from Oman

Introduction. The intense search for meteorites in the desert of Oman has recently added a number of highly interesting meteorites to our collections. Among the more than 200 meteorites recovered so far two Martian (Dhofar 019, Sayh al Uhaymir 005/008) and three lunar meteorites (Dhofar 025, 026, and 081) were identified [1]. Our continuous classification work now lead to the discovery of the first acapulcoite from Oman. Dhofar 125 was found 2000 January 26 in Oman (18°59.20'N, 54°36.03'E) as a single fragment totally covered with fusion crust. With a total mass of 2697 g Dhofar 125 is the largest acapulcoite ever found and represents the 8 unpaired member of the acapulcoite meteorite group [2, 3]. Mineralogy. Dhofar 125 consists of olivine, augite, low-Ca pyroxene, plagioclase, Fe,Ni metal, troilite, chlorapatite, and chromite. Most silicate grains are euhedral although some large anhedral olivines and low-Ca pyroxenes were found. As all acapulcoites, Dhofar 125 displays a characteristic recrystallization texture with abundant 120° triple junctions. Interstices are frequently filled with Fe,Ni metal (Fig.1).