Ordinary chondrite, unequilibrated (H3.7; S1; W3)
Found, 1937; 40.96 kg

After two stones had been found in 1937, five additional associated stones had been recovered by 1971. Inspections reveal distinct chondrules and chondrule fragments, and xenoliths within a complex matrix. Compositionally, bulk iron contents (26 wt% Fe), the nearly equilibrated olivine (Fa18.5,ave.), and the more variable pyroxenes are characteristic of the unequilibrated H chondrites. Mineralogically, the meteorite consists primarily of dominant olivine and pyroxene with minor troilite, and Fe-Ni metal. Pyroxene in chondrules is variable and usually clinopyroxene, but is often mantled by more Ca-rich phases. In a few porphyritic [POP] and radial pyroxene [RP] chondrules, clinoenstatite (sensu strictu, En>90) is found. Accessory chromite, ilmenite, feldspar and other very minor phases are also reported in the chondrules and/or matrix. Taenite, if present, is apparently quite sparse — perhaps due to extensive weathering (weathering grade W3). Secondary goethite and magnetite are among the more prominent terrestrial weatherates reported by Ramdohr (1973). Ar, Kr, and Xe gases appear to include residues of the early solar nebula. A cosmic ray exposure (CRE) age of ~30.4 Ma and a terrestrial age of 21 ka have also been reported.

The H group of ordinary chondrites constitute roughly 35-40% of all recovered meteorites with over 20,000 recovered by early 2017. However, only 75 meteorites have been classified as exactly 'H3.7' [as of January 2017]. Brownfield (1937) is the second-most massive member of this small meteoritic subtype. Only the 200 kg Dimmitt L3.7 chondrite (another Texas stone) is more massive.

What's in a name? Harvey Nininger and his son-in-law, Glenn Huss, were instrumental in recovering several meteoritic stones from Terry County. After confusion in some instances, it became clear that the Brownfield (iron), Brownfield (1964), and Brownfield (c) meteorites [IID, H5, OC, resp.] represented an additional two or three individual falls.

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Standard Detailed Gallery Strunz Chemical Elements

Mineral List

12 valid minerals.

Meteorite/Rock Types Recorded

Note: data is currently VERY limited. Please bear with us while we work towards adding this information!

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Alphabetical List Tree Diagram

ⓘ 'H3.7 chondrite meteorite'

Detailed Mineral List:

ⓘ Augite

Formula: (Ca_xMg_yFe_z)(Mg_y1Fe_z1)Si₂O₆

References:

Ferraris, C., Folco, L., & Mellini, M. (2002) Chondrule thermal history from unequilibrated H chondrites: A transmission and analytical electron microscopy study. Meteoritics & Planetary Science, vol. 37(10): 1299-1321. (Oct. 2002).

ⓘ 'Chrome-Spinel (of Dana)'

References:

ⓘ Chromite

Formula: Fe²⁺Cr³⁺₂O₄

References:

Bunch, T.E., Keil, Klaus, Snetsinger, K.G. (1967) Chromite composition in relation to chemistry and texture of ordinary chondrites. Geochimica et Cosmochimica Acta, 31 (10). 1569-1582 doi:10.1016/0016-7037(67)90105-6

Ramdohr, Paul (1972) The Opaque Minerals in Stony Meteorites. De Gruyter. doi:10.1515/9783112651025

ⓘ Clinoenstatite

Formula: MgSiO₃

Description: Most abundant pyroxene in chondrule pyroxenes.

References:

ⓘ 'Clinopyroxene Subgroup'

References:

ⓘ 'Fayalite-Forsterite Series'

Description: Average olivine (Fa18,4) in Rubin, 1990, and (Fa18.5) reported by Hutchison in Grady, 2000, are virtually identical.

References:

Graham, A. L., Bevan, A. W. R., Hutchison, R. (1985) Catalogue of Meteorites - With Special Reference to those Represented in the Collection of the British Museum (Natural History) (4th ed.) British Museum (Natural History), London.

Rubin, Alan E. (1990) Kamacite and olivine in ordinary chondrites: Intergroup and intragroup relationships. Geochimica et Cosmochimica Acta, 54 (5) 1217-1232 doi:10.1016/0016-7037(90)90148-e

ⓘ 'Feldspar Group'

Description: Orthoclase component approaches 20 mol% in some chondrules.

References:

ⓘ 'Glass'

References:

ⓘ Goethite

Formula: Fe³⁺O(OH)

References:

Ramdohr, Paul (1972) The Opaque Minerals in Stony Meteorites. De Gruyter. doi:10.1515/9783112651025

ⓘ Ilmenite

Formula: Fe²⁺TiO₃

References:

Snetsinger, Kenneth G., Keil, Klaus (1969) Ilmenite in ordinary Chondrites. American Mineralogist, 54 (5-6) 780-786

Ramdohr, Paul (1972) The Opaque Minerals in Stony Meteorites. De Gruyter. doi:10.1515/9783112651025

ⓘ Magnetite

Formula: Fe²⁺Fe³⁺₂O₄

Description: In this instance, secondary (e.g., a terrestrial weatherate).

References:

Ramdohr, Paul (1972) The Opaque Minerals in Stony Meteorites. De Gruyter. doi:10.1515/9783112651025

ⓘ Native Copper

Formula: Cu

References:

Ramdohr, Paul (1972) The Opaque Minerals in Stony Meteorites. De Gruyter. doi:10.1515/9783112651025

ⓘ Native Iron

Formula: Fe

References:

Ramdohr, Paul (1972) The Opaque Minerals in Stony Meteorites. De Gruyter. doi:10.1515/9783112651025

ⓘ Native Iron var. Kamacite

Formula: (Fe,Ni)

Description: Kamacite can be as Ni-poor as 2 wt%.

References:

Ramdohr, Paul (1972) The Opaque Minerals in Stony Meteorites. De Gruyter. doi:10.1515/9783112651025

Rubin, Alan E. (1990) Kamacite and olivine in ordinary chondrites: Intergroup and intragroup relationships. Geochimica et Cosmochimica Acta, 54 (5) 1217-1232 doi:10.1016/0016-7037(90)90148-e

ⓘ 'Orthopyroxene Subgroup'

References:

ⓘ Pentlandite

Formula: (Ni_xFe_y)_Σ9S₈

References:

ⓘ Pigeonite

Formula: (Ca_xMg_yFe_z)(Mg_y1Fe_z1)Si₂O₆

Description: Pigeonite as discontinuous chondritic rims.

References:

ⓘ 'Plagioclase'

Formula: (Na,Ca)[(Si,Al)AlSi₂]O₈

Description: Albitic and anorthitic components quite variable with orthoclase component as small as 2 mol% in some chondrules.

References:

ⓘ 'Pyroxene Group'

Formula: ADSi₂O₆

Description: Pyroxenes include, minimally, augite, clinoenstatite [sensu strictu], clinopyroxene (mostly 'clinobronzite'), orthopyroxene and pigeonite.

References:

ⓘ Spinel

Formula: MgAl₂O₄

References:

ⓘ Troilite

Formula: FeS

References:

Ramdohr, Paul (1972) The Opaque Minerals in Stony Meteorites. De Gruyter. doi:10.1515/9783112651025

Gallery:

List of minerals arranged by Strunz 10th Edition classification

Group 1 - Elements
ⓘ	Native Copper	1.AA.05	Cu
ⓘ	Native Iron	1.AE.05	Fe
ⓘ	var. Kamacite	1.AE.05	(Fe,Ni)
Group 2 - Sulphides and Sulfosalts
ⓘ	Pentlandite	2.BB.15	(Ni_xFe_y)_Σ9S₈
ⓘ	Troilite	2.CC.10	FeS
Group 4 - Oxides and Hydroxides
ⓘ	Goethite	4.00.	Fe³⁺O(OH)
ⓘ	Chromite	4.BB.05	Fe²⁺Cr³⁺₂O₄
ⓘ	Magnetite	4.BB.05	Fe²⁺Fe³⁺₂O₄
ⓘ	Spinel	4.BB.05	MgAl₂O₄
ⓘ	Ilmenite	4.CB.05	Fe²⁺TiO₃
Group 9 - Silicates
ⓘ	Clinoenstatite	9.DA.10	MgSiO₃
ⓘ	Pigeonite	9.DA.10	(Ca_xMg_yFe_z)(Mg_y1Fe_z1)Si₂O₆
ⓘ	Augite	9.DA.15	(Ca_xMg_yFe_z)(Mg_y1Fe_z1)Si₂O₆
Unclassified
ⓘ	'Feldspar Group'	-
ⓘ	'Clinopyroxene Subgroup'	-
ⓘ	'Fayalite-Forsterite Series'	-
ⓘ	'Plagioclase'	-	(Na,Ca)[(Si,Al)AlSi₂]O₈
ⓘ	'Pyroxene Group'	-	ADSi₂O₆
ⓘ	'Chrome-Spinel (of Dana)'	-
ⓘ	'Orthopyroxene Subgroup'	-
ⓘ	'Glass'	-

List of minerals for each chemical element

H	Hydrogen
H	ⓘ Goethite	Fe³⁺O(OH)
O	Oxygen
O	ⓘ Augite	(Ca_xMg_yFe_z)(Mg_y1Fe_z1)Si₂O₆
O	ⓘ Chromite	Fe²⁺Cr₂³⁺O₄
O	ⓘ Clinoenstatite	MgSiO₃
O	ⓘ Goethite	Fe³⁺O(OH)
O	ⓘ Ilmenite	Fe²⁺TiO₃
O	ⓘ Magnetite	Fe²⁺Fe₂³⁺O₄
O	ⓘ Pigeonite	(Ca_xMg_yFe_z)(Mg_y1Fe_z1)Si₂O₆
O	ⓘ Spinel	MgAl₂O₄
O	ⓘ Fayalite-Forsterite Series
O	ⓘ Plagioclase	(Na,Ca)[(Si,Al)AlSi₂]O₈
O	ⓘ Pyroxene Group	ADSi₂O₆
Na	Sodium
Na	ⓘ Plagioclase	(Na,Ca)[(Si,Al)AlSi₂]O₈
Mg	Magnesium
Mg	ⓘ Augite	(Ca_xMg_yFe_z)(Mg_y1Fe_z1)Si₂O₆
Mg	ⓘ Clinoenstatite	MgSiO₃
Mg	ⓘ Pigeonite	(Ca_xMg_yFe_z)(Mg_y1Fe_z1)Si₂O₆
Mg	ⓘ Spinel	MgAl₂O₄
Mg	ⓘ Fayalite-Forsterite Series
Al	Aluminium
Al	ⓘ Spinel	MgAl₂O₄
Al	ⓘ Plagioclase	(Na,Ca)[(Si,Al)AlSi₂]O₈
Si	Silicon
Si	ⓘ Augite	(Ca_xMg_yFe_z)(Mg_y1Fe_z1)Si₂O₆
Si	ⓘ Clinoenstatite	MgSiO₃
Si	ⓘ Pigeonite	(Ca_xMg_yFe_z)(Mg_y1Fe_z1)Si₂O₆
Si	ⓘ Fayalite-Forsterite Series
Si	ⓘ Plagioclase	(Na,Ca)[(Si,Al)AlSi₂]O₈
Si	ⓘ Pyroxene Group	ADSi₂O₆
S	Sulfur
S	ⓘ Pentlandite	(Ni_xFe_y)_Σ9S₈
S	ⓘ Troilite	FeS
Ca	Calcium
Ca	ⓘ Augite	(Ca_xMg_yFe_z)(Mg_y1Fe_z1)Si₂O₆
Ca	ⓘ Pigeonite	(Ca_xMg_yFe_z)(Mg_y1Fe_z1)Si₂O₆
Ca	ⓘ Plagioclase	(Na,Ca)[(Si,Al)AlSi₂]O₈
Ti	Titanium
Ti	ⓘ Ilmenite	Fe²⁺TiO₃
Cr	Chromium
Cr	ⓘ Chromite	Fe²⁺Cr₂³⁺O₄
Fe	Iron
Fe	ⓘ Augite	(Ca_xMg_yFe_z)(Mg_y1Fe_z1)Si₂O₆
Fe	ⓘ Chromite	Fe²⁺Cr₂³⁺O₄
Fe	ⓘ Goethite	Fe³⁺O(OH)
Fe	ⓘ Ilmenite	Fe²⁺TiO₃
Fe	ⓘ Native Iron	Fe
Fe	ⓘ Native Iron var. Kamacite	(Fe,Ni)
Fe	ⓘ Magnetite	Fe²⁺Fe₂³⁺O₄
Fe	ⓘ Pentlandite	(Ni_xFe_y)_Σ9S₈
Fe	ⓘ Pigeonite	(Ca_xMg_yFe_z)(Mg_y1Fe_z1)Si₂O₆
Fe	ⓘ Troilite	FeS
Fe	ⓘ Fayalite-Forsterite Series
Ni	Nickel
Ni	ⓘ Native Iron var. Kamacite	(Fe,Ni)
Ni	ⓘ Pentlandite	(Ni_xFe_y)_Σ9S₈
Cu	Copper
Cu	ⓘ Native Copper	Cu

Other Regions, Features and Areas containing this locality

North AmericaContinent

North America PlateTectonic Plate

Granite-Rhyolite ProvinceMagmatic Province
Permian BasinBasin
Shawnee DomainDomain

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References

(1937)

Snetsinger, Kenneth G., Keil, Klaus (1969) Ilmenite in ordinary Chondrites. American Mineralogist, 54 (5-6) 780-786

Ramdohr, Paul (1972) The Opaque Minerals in Stony Meteorites. De Gruyter. doi:10.1515/9783112651025

Moniot, R.K. (1980) Noble-gas-rich separates from ordinary chondrites: Geochimica et Cosmochimica Acta 44: 253-271. (Feb. 1980).

Rubin, Alan E. (1990) Kamacite and olivine in ordinary chondrites: Intergroup and intragroup relationships. Geochimica et Cosmochimica Acta, 54 (5) 1217-1232 doi:10.1016/0016-7037(90)90148-e

Jull, A.J.T., Donahue, D.J., Cielaszyk, E. & Wlotzka, F. (1993) Carbon-14 terrestrial ages and weathering of 27 meteorites from the southern high plains and adjacent areas (USA): Meteoritics 28(2): 188-195. (June 1993).

Graf, T. & Marti, K. (1995) Collisional History of H Chondrites: Journal of Geophysical Research 100 (E10): 247-263. (Oct 1995).

Grady, Monica (2000) Catalogue of Meteorites (5th ed.). Cambridge University Press.

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Brownfield (1937) meteorite, Terry County, Texas, USAiRegional Level TypesBrownfield (1937) meteoriteMeteorite Fall Location Terry CountyCounty TexasState USACountry function showexplain() { $("#locexplain").toggle(); if (typeof movemap === "function") movemap(); }

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Detailed Mineral List:

Gallery:

List of minerals arranged by Strunz 10th Edition classification

List of minerals for each chemical element

Other Regions, Features and Areas containing this locality

References

Brownfield (1937) meteorite, Terry County, Texas, USA i
Regional Level Types
Brownfield (1937) meteorite Meteorite Fall Location
Terry County County
Texas State
USA Country