Meteorite Sebkha el Melah 001 – Mali
Type: Achondrite / Aubrite
Locality: Mali
Weight: 0,2g
Dimensions: 13 x 5 x 3 mm
Year found: 2022
Total known weight: 17 kg
Surface treatment: none – raw
Packaging: Transparent plastic box (5,8 x 3,8 x 1,6 cm)
| Category: | Sebkha el Melah 001 |
|---|---|
| By name: | Sebkha el Melah 001 |
| ? Type: | Stony |
| Subspecies: | Achondrite |
| ? Surface treatment: | Natural (raw) |
| Packaging: | In box |
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Sebkha el Melah 001 – Aubrite Achondrite from Mali
Meteorite Sebkha el Melah 001 is classified as an achondrite, specifically an aubrite. It was discovered in late March 2022 in Mali, about 10 km southwest of Sebkha el Melah and 245 km southeast of Taoudenni by Saharan meteorite hunters. The total recovered mass was approximately 17 kg. Bachir Salek obtained 12.5 kg, including the main mass of 3550 g.
The meteorite is composed mainly of coarse interlocking enstatite crystals with a pegmatitic texture. Crystals measure several centimeters, many showing clear cleavage. Some are milky white, while others are transparent and gem-like. The largest single crystal weighed 45 g and measured ~5 × 2 cm. Fusion crusts are present, mostly cream to white, though some are dark. The meteorite is intact.
Classification
Sebkha el Melah 001 is classified as a non-brecciated aubrite. It has one of the highest modal abundances of enstatite ever recorded in aubrites. Enstatite, diopside, and forsterite in this meteorite show extremely low iron content, below detection limit of major elements by electron microprobe.