Meteorite Saint-Aubin – France
Type: Iron / IIIAB
Locality: Aube Champagne, France
Weight: 6,2g
Dimensions: 22 x 22 x 2 mm
Year of found: 1968
Total known weight: 6 tonnes
Surface treatment: cut, polished slice
| Category: | Saint-Aubin |
|---|---|
| By name: | Saint Aubin |
| ? Type: | Iron |
| ? Surface treatment: | Cut |
| Packaging: | None |
| Specialties: | Widmanstätten's patterns |
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Saint-Aubin Meteorite
The Saint-Aubin meteorite is a large iron meteorite discovered in the Saint-Aubin region of France. It belongs to the IIIAB class of iron meteorites, known for a high content of iron and nickel. It is estimated to have fallen to Earth around 55,000 years ago.
Discovery
Saint-Aubin was discovered in 1968 during farming work when a farmer hit a large piece of iron material. Further excavations revealed more fragments. In 2018, advanced exploration using modern metal detectors led to the discovery of many more fragments. Several large pieces were found, including two of 472 kg and 177 kg, along with many smaller ones. The total recovered mass exceeds 6 tons, making Saint-Aubin one of the largest iron meteorites found in France.
Composition
Saint-Aubin is an iron meteorite with high nickel and gold content, but low in iridium. When cut and etched, it reveals very attractive Widmanstätten patterns. It also contains minerals like sarcopside or graftonite and schreibersite needles up to 6 cm long. Additionally, Saint-Aubin may show shock features such as Neumann lines and shock-twinned kamacite.