Lut 009, an H4 (S2, W4) ordinary chondrite meteorite from Lut Desert of Iran

Lut 009 meteorite was found during a trip to Lut Desert of Iran in March,2012, at 30°20.38' N, 59°09.04' E. Chemical compositions of equilibrated olivine (Fa19.3 ± 0.5) and orthopyroxene (Fs16.7 ± 0.6) show that the meteorite sample belongs to H group of ordinary chondrites, while the texture (chondrule petrography and plagioclase size) suggests a petrologic type of 4. The Lut 009 has been very weakly shock altered and has a shock stage of S2. Fe-Ni is completely weathered whereas less than 5 percent of troilite is still present. Therefore, the meteorite has a weathering grade of W4. Magnetic susceptibility is log χ =4.75 (χ in 10-9 m3/kg) and, thus, consistent with a W4 H ordinary chondrite. Here we report description of Lut 009 in the first extended study on a meteorite from Lut Desert. Along with this sample, in-progress investigations of other meteorites from the desert will open a window into the characteristics of meteorite concentrations in this region.