Phosphorus-Olivine-Assemblages (POAs): a paragenetic model for P-bearing phases in primitive meteorites

Abstract

Phosphate minerals (e.g., apatite (Ca₅[PO₄]₃[OH,Cl,F]), merrillite (Ca₉NaMg[PO₄]₇)) are emerging as crucial tools in the investigation of extraterrestrial volatile, thermal, and collisional histories. However, the mechanisms involved in the formation (and deformation/destruction) of phosphate minerals in primitive meteorites remain unclear, hindering our ability to confidently interpret an important record of chemical, isotopic, and structural information. Here, we provide further observations and arguments in support of a key role for olivine in the paragenesis of P-bearing phases in chondrites.