A small carbonaceous chondrite specimen was investigated using exclusively non-destructive macroscopic, morphological, and surface microtextural methods. The specimen exhibits a thin, continuous fusion crust, ghost chondrules visible beneath the surface, weak magnetic response, and a bulk density consistent with CO carbonaceous chondrites. Its external morphology is markedly aerodynamically sculpted, with a flattened leading apex, flow-oriented fusion crust textures, and localized shock-related surface disruption. High-resolution imaging under oblique illumination reveals numerous discrete stellar micro-reflective features producing characteristic radial light spikes. These features are interpreted as specular reflections from ultrafine metallic phases or high-refractive-index silicate microlites exposed within an exceptionally thin fusion crust. The combined morphological and surface characteristics are consistent with moderate thermal metamorphism approaching petrologic type CO-4. Although definitive classification requires laboratory petrographic and chemical analyses, the non-destructive evidence presented here supports a robust provisional classification and highlights the scientific value of preserving rare aerodynamic morphologies that would be compromised by destructive sampling.
Eduardo Brandão (Sun,) studied this question.