smf-header
layout_11
layout_14

April 2008
Now Meteorites! Click Here

September 18, 2007
New additions!
New minerals added. See our Minerals section clicking here »

layout_16
layout_17
 
Imca
bookfs
minefosicom
 
header_meteorites clearpixel

Ureilites

Ureilites are calcium-poor achondrites, consisting mainly of olivine, pigeonite (their dominant form of pyroxene) and carbon (2.2%). The carbon is in the form of either graphite, diamond, or lonsdaleite (a rare pure carbon mineral like diamond, but with a different crystal structure). The ureilites are the only achondrites containing significant amounts of free metal (Fe, Ni) (5%). They also contain the highest proportions of heavy rare gases such as argon, krypton and xenon, among all meteorites. The origin of ureilites remains an enigmatic. They appear to result from a complex igneous history, involving perhaps carbonaceous chondrite-like material as a starting point.

BACK »

layout_23
layout_25
layout_26