Genesis and timing of KREEP-free lunar Mg-suite magmatism indicated by the first norite meteorite Arguin 002

Abstract: There is ongoing debate about whether lunar magnesian suite (Mg-suite) magmatism was a global, nearly synchronous event with a genetic link to potassium, rare-earth element and phosphorus components (KREEP). Arguin 002, the first whole-rock meteorite classified as a lunar norite, offers a unique opportunity to explore the genesis and timing of Mg-suite rocks. Here we investigated the petrology, mineralogy, geochemistry, and chronology of Arguin 002, revealing it to be an evolved, KREEP-free Mg-suite rock with chemical similarities to atypical Apollo-15 Fe-norites. It likely formed through plutonic magmatism originating from low-degree partial melting of a deep, KREEP-free mantle source and has a ²⁰⁷Pb/²⁰⁶Pb age of 4341.5 ± 9.3 Ma. The potential source of Arguin 002 is within the South Pole-Aitken basin, near the Chang’e-6 landing site. These findings indicate that Mg-suite magmatism was a global and nearly synchronous event, potentially driven by rapid global mantle overturn.

Keywords: Lunar Meteorites, Mg-suite magmatism, norite, KREEP, mantle overturn

Citing information: Wang Z. L., Tian W., Wang W.-R., Prissel T. C., Di Y. K., Qian Y. Q., Liu P.-P., Fa W. Z., Su A. 2025. Genesis and timing of KREEP-free lunar Mg-suite magmatism indicated by the first norite meteorite Arguin 002. Communications Earth & Environment. 6, 170. DOI: 10.1038/s43247-025-02086-7.

Recommended citation: Wang Z. L., Tian W., Wang W.-R., Prissel T. C., Di Y. K., Qian Y. Q., Liu P.-P., Fa W. Z., Su A. (2025). " Genesis and timing of KREEP-free lunar Mg-suite magmatism indicated by the first norite meteorite Arguin 002." Earth, Communications Earth & Environment. 6:170.
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