Fall 23 September 1936; 1.995 kg
Eucrite, Polymict
1.995 kg; 4 complete stones & 2 fragments

The Macibini meteorite consists almost entirely of well-mixed, grayish eucritic materials rich in fine-grained plagioclase and pyroxene accompanied by occasional clasts. Pyroxenes are quite variable with both Ca-poor and Ca-rich varieties as well as an unusually large range in Mg/Fe ratios. Plagioclase is mostly bytownite in composition, but anorthitic plagioclase is found in matrix and in some clasts. Small and variable amounts of both silicates (olivine, silica) and opaques (chromite, ilmenite, troilite, meteoritic iron) are found in both matrix and inclusions. Fe-rich pyroxenes and olivine, K-rich silicate glass plus a small component of diogenitic orthopyroxene indicate that while most of Macibini probably consists of locally derived components, this breccia is spiced with a few fragments of distant and/or deeper constituents from the original parent body.

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Standard Detailed Gallery Strunz Chemical Elements

Mineral List

8 valid minerals.

Meteorite/Rock Types Recorded

Note: data is currently VERY limited. Please bear with us while we work towards adding this information!

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Alphabetical List Tree Diagram

ⓘ 'Eucrite polymict breccia meteorite'

Detailed Mineral List:

ⓘ Anorthite

Formula: Ca(Al₂Si₂O₈)

Description: In Anorthite Clast (and elsewhere)

References:

Buchanan, P. C., Lindstrom, D. J., Mittlefehldt, D. W., Koeberl, C. & Reimold, W. U. (2000) The South African eucrite Macibini: Meteoritics & Planetary Science 35 (6): 1321-1331. (Nov 2000)

ⓘ Augite

Formula: (Ca_xMg_yFe_z)(Mg_y1Fe_z1)Si₂O₆

Description: Augite — Normally an exsolved phase in eucrites

References:

Mason B., Jarosewich E. & Nelen J. A. (1979) The pyroxene-plagioclase achondrites. Smithson. Contrib. Earth Sci. 22: 27-45.

Buchanan, P. C., Lindstrom, D. J., Mittlefehldt, D. W., Koeberl, C. & Reimold, W. U. (2000) The South African eucrite Macibini: Meteoritics & Planetary Science 35 (6): 1321-1331. (Nov 2000)

ⓘ Augite var. Ferroaugite

Formula: (Ca_xMg_yFe_z)(Mg_y1Fe_z1)Si₂O₆

References:

Reid, A. M. (1974) The Macibini Meteorite and some thoughts on the Origin of Basaltic Achondrites: Meteoritics 9(4): 398-399. (Dec 1974)

Mason B., Jarosewich E. & Nelen J. A. (1979) The pyroxene-plagioclase achondrites. Smithson. Contrib. Earth Sci. 22: 27-45.

ⓘ Chromite

Formula: Fe²⁺Cr³⁺₂O₄

References:

Buchanan, P. C., Lindstrom, D. J., Mittlefehldt, D. W., Koeberl, C. & Reimold, W. U. (2000) The South African eucrite Macibini: Meteoritics & Planetary Science 35 (6): 1321-1331. (Nov 2000)

ⓘ 'Fayalite-Forsterite Series'

Description: Olivine (Fa 56-83 )

References:

Desnoyers. C. & Jerome, D.Y. (1973) Olivine Compositions in Howardites and other achondritic meteorite (abstract): Meteoritics 8 (4): 344-345. (Dec 1973)

Mason B., Jarosewich E. & Nelen J. A. (1979) The pyroxene-plagioclase achondrites. Smithson. Contrib. Earth Sci. 22: 27-45.

Buchanan, P. C., Lindstrom, D. J., Mittlefehldt, D. W., Koeberl, C. & Reimold, W. U. (2000) The South African eucrite Macibini: Meteoritics & Planetary Science 35 (6): 1321-1331. (Nov 2000)

ⓘ 'Glass'

Description: Silica-rich Glass often has an enhanced K2O content of uncertain origin

References:

Buchanan, P. C., Lindstrom, D. J., Mittlefehldt, D. W., Koeberl, C. & Reimold, W. U. (2000) The South African eucrite Macibini: Meteoritics & Planetary Science 35 (6): 1321-1331. (Nov 2000)

ⓘ Hedenbergite

Formula: CaFe²⁺Si₂O₆

References:

Reid, A. M. (1974) The Macibini Meteorite and some thoughts on the Origin of Basaltic Achondrites: Meteoritics 9(4): 398-399. (Dec 1974)

ⓘ Ilmenite

Formula: Fe²⁺TiO₃

References:

Buchanan, P. C., Lindstrom, D. J., Mittlefehldt, D. W., Koeberl, C. & Reimold, W. U. (2000) The South African eucrite Macibini: Meteoritics & Planetary Science 35 (6): 1321-1331. (Nov 2000)

ⓘ 'Meteoritic Iron'

References:

Buchanan, P. C., Lindstrom, D. J., Mittlefehldt, D. W., Koeberl, C. & Reimold, W. U. (2000) The South African eucrite Macibini: Meteoritics & Planetary Science 35 (6): 1321-1331. (Nov 2000)

ⓘ Native Iron

Formula: Fe

References:

Ramdohr, Paul (1972) The Opaque Minerals in Stony Meteorites. De Gruyter. doi:10.1515/9783112651025

ⓘ Native Iron var. Kamacite

Formula: (Fe,Ni)

References:

Ramdohr, Paul (1972) The Opaque Minerals in Stony Meteorites. De Gruyter. doi:10.1515/9783112651025

ⓘ 'Orthopyroxene Subgroup'

Description: Orthopyroxene is Mg-rich consistent with probable diogenite source

References:

Reid, A. M. (1974) The Macibini Meteorite and some thoughts on the Origin of Basaltic Achondrites: Meteoritics 9(4): 398-399. (Dec 1974)

Buchanan, P. C., Lindstrom, D. J., Mittlefehldt, D. W., Koeberl, C. & Reimold, W. U. (2000) The South African eucrite Macibini: Meteoritics & Planetary Science 35 (6): 1321-1331. (Nov 2000)

ⓘ Pigeonite

Formula: (Ca_xMg_yFe_z)(Mg_y1Fe_z1)Si₂O₆

References:

Reid, A. M. (1974) The Macibini Meteorite and some thoughts on the Origin of Basaltic Achondrites: Meteoritics 9(4): 398-399. (Dec 1974)

Mason B., Jarosewich E. & Nelen J. A. (1979) The pyroxene-plagioclase achondrites. Smithson. Contrib. Earth Sci. 22: 27-45.

ⓘ 'Plagioclase'

Formula: (Na,Ca)[(Si,Al)AlSi₂]O₈

Description: Plagioclase (Ab7-21)

References:

Mason B., Jarosewich E. & Nelen J. A. (1979) The pyroxene-plagioclase achondrites. Smithson. Contrib. Earth Sci. 22: 27-45.

Buchanan, P. C., Lindstrom, D. J., Mittlefehldt, D. W., Koeberl, C. & Reimold, W. U. (2000) The South African eucrite Macibini: Meteoritics & Planetary Science 35 (6): 1321-1331. (Nov 2000)

ⓘ 'Pyroxene Group'

Formula: ADSi₂O₆

Description: Pyroxene - large range (Fs19-61) according to Mason et al., (1979)

References:

Mason B., Jarosewich E. & Nelen J. A. (1979) The pyroxene-plagioclase achondrites. Smithson. Contrib. Earth Sci. 22: 27-45.

ⓘ 'Silica'

References:

Buchanan, P. C., Lindstrom, D. J., Mittlefehldt, D. W., Koeberl, C. & Reimold, W. U. (2000) The South African eucrite Macibini: Meteoritics & Planetary Science 35 (6): 1321-1331. (Nov 2000)

ⓘ Troilite

Formula: FeS

References:

Buchanan, P. C., Lindstrom, D. J., Mittlefehldt, D. W., Koeberl, C. & Reimold, W. U. (2000) The South African eucrite Macibini: Meteoritics & Planetary Science 35 (6): 1321-1331. (Nov 2000)

Gallery:

List of minerals arranged by Strunz 10th Edition classification

Group 1 - Elements
ⓘ	Native Iron	1.AE.05	Fe
ⓘ	var. Kamacite	1.AE.05	(Fe,Ni)
Group 2 - Sulphides and Sulfosalts
ⓘ	Troilite	2.CC.10	FeS
Group 4 - Oxides and Hydroxides
ⓘ	Chromite	4.BB.05	Fe²⁺Cr³⁺₂O₄
ⓘ	Ilmenite	4.CB.05	Fe²⁺TiO₃
Group 9 - Silicates
ⓘ	Pigeonite	9.DA.10	(Ca_xMg_yFe_z)(Mg_y1Fe_z1)Si₂O₆
ⓘ	Augite	9.DA.15	(Ca_xMg_yFe_z)(Mg_y1Fe_z1)Si₂O₆
ⓘ	Hedenbergite	9.DA.15	CaFe²⁺Si₂O₆
ⓘ	Augite var. Ferroaugite	9.DA.15	(Ca_xMg_yFe_z)(Mg_y1Fe_z1)Si₂O₆
ⓘ	Anorthite	9.FA.35	Ca(Al₂Si₂O₈)
Unclassified
ⓘ	'Fayalite-Forsterite Series'	-
ⓘ	'Plagioclase'	-	(Na,Ca)[(Si,Al)AlSi₂]O₈
ⓘ	'Pyroxene Group'	-	ADSi₂O₆
ⓘ	'Meteoritic Iron'	-
ⓘ	'Silica'	-
ⓘ	'Orthopyroxene Subgroup'	-
ⓘ	'Glass'	-

List of minerals for each chemical element

O	Oxygen
O	ⓘ Anorthite	Ca(Al₂Si₂O₈)
O	ⓘ Augite	(Ca_xMg_yFe_z)(Mg_y1Fe_z1)Si₂O₆
O	ⓘ Chromite	Fe²⁺Cr₂³⁺O₄
O	ⓘ Hedenbergite	CaFe²⁺Si₂O₆
O	ⓘ Ilmenite	Fe²⁺TiO₃
O	ⓘ Pigeonite	(Ca_xMg_yFe_z)(Mg_y1Fe_z1)Si₂O₆
O	ⓘ Fayalite-Forsterite Series
O	ⓘ Plagioclase	(Na,Ca)[(Si,Al)AlSi₂]O₈
O	ⓘ Pyroxene Group	ADSi₂O₆
O	ⓘ Augite var. Ferroaugite	(Ca_xMg_yFe_z)(Mg_y1Fe_z1)Si₂O₆
Na	Sodium
Na	ⓘ Plagioclase	(Na,Ca)[(Si,Al)AlSi₂]O₈
Mg	Magnesium
Mg	ⓘ Augite	(Ca_xMg_yFe_z)(Mg_y1Fe_z1)Si₂O₆
Mg	ⓘ Pigeonite	(Ca_xMg_yFe_z)(Mg_y1Fe_z1)Si₂O₆
Mg	ⓘ Fayalite-Forsterite Series
Mg	ⓘ Augite var. Ferroaugite	(Ca_xMg_yFe_z)(Mg_y1Fe_z1)Si₂O₆
Al	Aluminium
Al	ⓘ Anorthite	Ca(Al₂Si₂O₈)
Al	ⓘ Plagioclase	(Na,Ca)[(Si,Al)AlSi₂]O₈
Si	Silicon
Si	ⓘ Anorthite	Ca(Al₂Si₂O₈)
Si	ⓘ Augite	(Ca_xMg_yFe_z)(Mg_y1Fe_z1)Si₂O₆
Si	ⓘ Hedenbergite	CaFe²⁺Si₂O₆
Si	ⓘ Pigeonite	(Ca_xMg_yFe_z)(Mg_y1Fe_z1)Si₂O₆
Si	ⓘ Fayalite-Forsterite Series
Si	ⓘ Plagioclase	(Na,Ca)[(Si,Al)AlSi₂]O₈
Si	ⓘ Pyroxene Group	ADSi₂O₆
Si	ⓘ Augite var. Ferroaugite	(Ca_xMg_yFe_z)(Mg_y1Fe_z1)Si₂O₆
S	Sulfur
S	ⓘ Troilite	FeS
Ca	Calcium
Ca	ⓘ Anorthite	Ca(Al₂Si₂O₈)
Ca	ⓘ Augite	(Ca_xMg_yFe_z)(Mg_y1Fe_z1)Si₂O₆
Ca	ⓘ Hedenbergite	CaFe²⁺Si₂O₆
Ca	ⓘ Pigeonite	(Ca_xMg_yFe_z)(Mg_y1Fe_z1)Si₂O₆
Ca	ⓘ Plagioclase	(Na,Ca)[(Si,Al)AlSi₂]O₈
Ca	ⓘ Augite var. Ferroaugite	(Ca_xMg_yFe_z)(Mg_y1Fe_z1)Si₂O₆
Ti	Titanium
Ti	ⓘ Ilmenite	Fe²⁺TiO₃
Cr	Chromium
Cr	ⓘ Chromite	Fe²⁺Cr₂³⁺O₄
Fe	Iron
Fe	ⓘ Augite	(Ca_xMg_yFe_z)(Mg_y1Fe_z1)Si₂O₆
Fe	ⓘ Chromite	Fe²⁺Cr₂³⁺O₄
Fe	ⓘ Hedenbergite	CaFe²⁺Si₂O₆
Fe	ⓘ Ilmenite	Fe²⁺TiO₃
Fe	ⓘ Native Iron	Fe
Fe	ⓘ Native Iron var. Kamacite	(Fe,Ni)
Fe	ⓘ Pigeonite	(Ca_xMg_yFe_z)(Mg_y1Fe_z1)Si₂O₆
Fe	ⓘ Troilite	FeS
Fe	ⓘ Fayalite-Forsterite Series
Fe	ⓘ Augite var. Ferroaugite	(Ca_xMg_yFe_z)(Mg_y1Fe_z1)Si₂O₆
Ni	Nickel
Ni	ⓘ Native Iron var. Kamacite	(Fe,Ni)

Other Regions, Features and Areas containing this locality

AfricaContinent

African Plate

Mozambique basinBasin
Namaqua-Natal BeltOrogenic Belt

Somali PlateTectonic Plate

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References

Ramdohr, Paul (1972) The Opaque Minerals in Stony Meteorites. De Gruyter. doi:10.1515/9783112651025

Desnoyers. C. & Jerome, D.Y. (1973) Olivine Compositions in Howardites and other achondritic meteorite (abstract): Meteoritics 8 (4): 344-345. (Dec 1973)

Reid, A. M. (1974) The Macibini Meteorite and some thoughts on the Origin of Basaltic Achondrites: Meteoritics 9(4): 398-399. (Dec 1974)

Buchanan, P. C., Lindstrom, D. J., Mittlefehldt, D. W., Koeberl, C. & Reimold, W. U. (2000) The South African eucrite Macibini: Meteoritics & Planetary Science 35 (6): 1321-1331. (Nov 2000)

Grady, Monica (2000) Catalogue of Meteorites (5th ed.). Cambridge University Press.

www.lpi.usra.edu (n.d.) http://www.lpi.usra.edu/meteor/metbull.php

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