[meteorite-list] Smallest oriented stone meteorite?

From: meteorites_at_space.com <meteorites_at_meteoritecentral.com>
Date: Thu Apr 22 09:44:11 2004
Message-ID: <20010608045749.14040.cpmta_at_c000.snv.cp.net>

On Thu, 07 June 2001, Martin Horejsi wrote:

>
> I am wondering what the smallest known oriented stone meteorite is. Any
> ideas out there?
>
> The reason is that I just got a wonderfully oriented Holbrook. It is a
> classic shape with flowlines on the leading edge and a distinct bubbly rim
> covering most of the parameter of the trailing edge. But the little thing is
> only 0.9 grams in mass. It got me thinking about just how small a meteorite
> can be as still retain the classic orientation markings. I have smaller
> individuals that have flight markings and show a tendency toward orientation
> during their fall, but they are not the classic pincushion or shield shape.
>
> I also have some tiny Nuevo Mecurios and Juanchengs that are oriented in the
> classic fashion, but they are all over a gram in mass.
>
> Any thoughts about where this information might be accessed would be helpful
> as well. Did Nininger write about it anywhere that anyone knows of?
>
> Thanks,
>
> Martin
>

I have found perfectly oriented Holbrooks with masses of .05 grams. These tiny specimens are perfectly preserved with nice black fusion crust and spots where that crust has been brokent to reveal the light interior matrix.

I think Nininger encountered them as well and mentioned them in his notes as presented in his *Published Papers*.


Regards,
Steve Schoner, AMS

http://www.geocities.com/american_meteorite_survey


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Received on Fri 08 Jun 2001 12:57:49 AM PDT