Reclassification and chemical revision of iron meteorites from the La Plata Museum

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Maria Eugenia Varela
Silvia Ametrano
Laura N. Garcia
Eduardo Jawerbaum

Abstract

The La Plata Museum houses a significant meteorite collection established in 1884, comprising 91 specimens from Argentina and
abroad. As part of the first stage of a broader reclassification project, eight iron meteorites from this collection—previously lacking conclusive
chemical data—were analyzed using instrumental neutron activation analysis (INAA). The new results confirm the classification
of six specimens and lead to the reclassification of two as pallasites. This study also corrects historical misidentifications, such as
the Otumpa meteorite, provides the first chemical classifications for the Dadin (IIIAB) and Huaytiquina (IIAB) meteorites, and expands
the chemical database for Caperr, Ñorquin, and El Sampal. The updated information will be submitted to the Nomenclature Committee
of the Meteoritical Society. Overall, this work underscores the importance of applying modern analytical methods to reassess historical
collections and update meteorite classifications according to current standards.

Article Details

How to Cite
Varela, M. E., Ametrano, S., Garcia, L. N. ., & Jawerbaum, E. . (2025). Reclassification and chemical revision of iron meteorites from the La Plata Museum. Revista De La Asociación Geológica Argentina, 82(3), 314-326. Retrieved from https://revista.geologica.org.ar/raga/article/view/1820
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