Determination of the porosity of Didim H3-5 meteorite using pycnometry and three-dimensional laser scanning

Abstract

This study focuses on the porosity of the Didim H3−5 chondrite, providing insights into its physical and structural properties. Using the 3D laser scanning, we determined, that the bulk volume and the bulk density of Didim are 17.15 cm³ and 3.16 g/cm³, respectively. Through helium pycnometry, we found thatthe grain volume and the grain density of Didim chondrite are 1.41 cm³ and 3.64±0.001 g/cm³. We calculated that Didim has a porosity of 13.28±0.024%, which is consistent with similar chondrites, such as Fermo, but higher than Acfer 166 and Oum Dreyga. To establish robust links between meteorites and their possible parent bodies, further systematic and multi-analytical efforts, such as those used in this study, are requiredto accurately characterize meteorites’ porosities. Among the primary minerals in H3−5 chondrites, iron-nickel metals and iron-sulfides are also distributed heterogeneously in these ordinary chondrites. Using a combined approach of pycnometry and 3D laser scanning, we can further interpret shock processes from impacts on the parent body and weathering on Earth can be further interpreted in terms of their geologic history and the environmental conditions experienced by these chondrites both in parent bodies and after landing on Earth.