# Zinc isotope analyses of singularly small samples (<5 ng Zn): investigating chondrule-matrix complementarity in Leoville

## TL;DR

This study develops a new protocol to analyze zinc isotopes in tiny samples from chondrites, aiming to understand the relationship between chondrules and matrix in the early Solar System.

## Contribution

It introduces an adjusted zinc isotope analysis method for samples smaller than 5 nanograms, enabling detailed investigation of chondrule-matrix complementarity.

## Key findings

- Zinc isotope data suggest primary fractionation during chondrule formation.
- Secondary alteration effects on zinc isotopes are distinguishable.
- The new protocol allows analysis of extremely small samples.

## Abstract

The potential complementarity between chondrules and matrix of chondrites, the Solar System's building blocks, is still a highly debated subject. Complementary superchrondritic compositions of chondrite matrices and subchondritic chondrules may point to formation of these components within the same reservoir or, alternatively, to mobilization of elements during secondary alteration on chondrite parent bodies. Zinc isotope fractionation through evaporation during chondrule formation may play an important role in identifying complementary relationships between chondrules and matrix and is additionally a mobile element during hydrothermal processes. In an effort to distinguish between primary Zn isotope fractionation during chondrule formation and secondary alteration, we here report the Zn isotope data of five chondrule cores, five corresponding igneous rims and two matrices of the relatively unaltered Leoville CV3.1 chondrite. The detail required for these analyses necessitated the development of an adjusted Zn isotope analyses protocol outlined in this study.