Bellsbank meteorite

Bellsbank
Type Iron meteorite
Structural classification Hexahedrite[1]
Group IIG[2]
Parent body IIG-IIAB[2]
Composition Meteoric iron (Kamacite), Schreibersite
Country South Africa
Coordinates 28°5′S 24°5′E / 28.083°S 24.083°E / -28.083; 24.083Coordinates: 28°5′S 24°5′E / 28.083°S 24.083°E / -28.083; 24.083[1]
Observed fall No
Found date 1955[1]
TKW 38 kilograms (84 lb)[1]

The Bellsbank meteorite is a hexahedrite iron meteorite with abundant schreibersite. It is classified as a member of the IIG group. It was found in Bellsbank, South Africa in 1955.

Discovery and naming

The meteorite was found in 1955 near Bellsbank (28°5′S 24°5′E / 28.083°S 24.083°E / -28.083; 24.083), northwest of Kimberley (South Africa). Only one specimen with a mass of 38 kilograms (84 lb) was dug out from a field.[1] The meteorite was first described in 1959.[3]

Description

The meteorite is hexahedrite iron meteorite. It consists of meteoric iron (exclusively kamacite) and schreibersite. The surface of the meteorite is pitted and weathered. Upon etching the meteorite shows Neumann lines.[3] The meteoric iron has Nickel concentrations as low as 1.6%.[2]

Classification

The Bellsbank meteorite was the type specimen of the grouplet called "Bellsbank Trio". After 5 meteorites were found the grouplet was renamed IIG group.[2]

References

  1. 1 2 3 4 5 "Bellsbank". Meteoritical Society. Retrieved 28 December 2012.
  2. 1 2 3 4 Wasson, John T.; Choe, Won-Hie (31 July 2009). "The IIG iron meteorites: Probable formation in the IIAB core". Geochimica et Cosmochimica Acta 73 (16): 4879–4890. doi:10.1016/j.gca.2009.05.062.
  3. 1 2 Groeneveld, D. (1959). "A new iron meteorite from Bellsbank, Barkly West district". Transactions of the Geological Society of South Africa 62: 72–80.

See also

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