The composition of carbonaceous chondrite matrix

Abstract

Matrix compositions of 32 of the approximately 40 known carbonaceous chondrites were analyzed using an electron probe defocussed-beam technique. Except in those chondrites that show evidence of metamorphism, matrices are compositionally similar and have correlation coefficients of +0.96 or greater. The implications of these analyses for the chemistry of individual matrix phases and for primitive solar system material are discussed.