Xenon in Chondritic Metal

We report xenon isotopic abundances observed in the stepwise release of noble gases in a highpurity metal separate of the Forest Vale (H4) chondrite. We identify a 244Pu-derived fission component, due to recoils into the metal, a cosmic-ray-produced spallation component and a new trapped component (FVM; 132Xe: 134Xe: 136Xe = 3.16:1.235:1.000) which is isotopically distinct from known solar system reservoirs. We discuss several processes which might account for observed isotopic shifts and conclude that the signature of FVM xenon may provide clues regarding the origin of chondritic metal.