Brachinite
Brachinites are a group of meteorites that are classified either as primitive achondrites or as asteroidal achondrites. Like all primitive achondrites, they have similarities with chondrites and achondrites. Brachinites contain 74 to 98% (Volume) olivine.
Naming and history
Brachinites are named after the Brachina meteorite, the type specimen of this group which in turn is named after Brachina, South Australia.[1]
Description
Brachinites are almost entirely made from olivine (74-98 Volume-%). Other minerals include plagioclase (6.7 to 12.9%), iron sulfides (1.8 - 4.0%), clinopyroxene (1.5 - 8.2%) and orthopyroxene (0 - 2.4%). Trace minerals include phosphates and meteoric iron. The only deviation from chondrites is the very high olivine/orthopyroxene ratio.[2]
Specimen
There are currently 30 meteorites that are classified as brachinites.[3] A notable example is the type specimen, the Brachina meteorite.
Origin
Research has indicated that the parent body of brachinites might be the Nenetta Asteroid (289 Nenetta).[4]
See also
References
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- ↑ http://www.newark.osu.edu/facultystaff/personal/jstjohn/Documents/Rocks-from-Outer-Space/Brachinite.htm
