Lodranites

Lodranites are a rare type of stony meteorite that contain the mineral lodranite. This mineral is an iron-nickel alloy that is rich in phosphorus and is found in small grains within the meteorite. Lodranites are classified as primitive achondrites, meaning they formed early in the solar system's history but have undergone some degree of melting and recrystallization. They are thought to represent material from a small, differentiated asteroid that experienced a significant impact event early in its history. This impact likely caused partial melting and separation of the asteroid's components, leading to the formation of the lodranite mineral. Geochemical analysis of lodranites suggests they originated from a parent body that was relatively rich in volatile elements, which is unusual for meteorites of this type. Their rarity and unique mineralogy make them scientifically significant for understanding the early solar system and the processes that affected small planetary bodies. Studying lodranites can provide insights into the composition and thermal evolution of protoplanetary bodies in the early solar nebula. They are distinct from other achondrite groups due to their specific mineral assemblage and isotopic composition.