astro.wikisort.org - Meteorite

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.

See also

• Glossary of meteoritics

References

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