Meteorite Classification Using Triple Oxygen Isotopes

Riley Havel , Daniel Enrique Ibarra 

For decades, measurements of all three isotopes of oxygen have been made in a handful of specialized laboratories around the world. These measurements either confirm meteorite classifications or prevent misclassification of terrestrial materials. Isotope geochemists making these measurements, in collaboration with meteorite enthusiasts and scientists, frequently receive questions regarding best practices for sample preparation and data interpretation. In this Toolkit, we provide guidance for those interested in soliciting oxygen isotope measurements of suspected meteorite samples with the goal of expanding and diversifying meteorite collections, which enable studies at the frontier of planetary science.