• Type: Achondrite / Aubrite
• Location: Mali
• Weight: 0.3g
• Size: 10 x 5 x 5 mm
• Year of finding: 2022
• Known total weight: 17 kg
• Surface treatment: none – Rough
• Packaging: transparent plastic box (5.8 x 3.8 x 1.6 cm)
• DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Sebkha el Melah 001 – Aubrite achondrite from Mali The Sebkha el Melah 001 meteorite is classified as an achondrite, specifically an aubrite. It was discovered at the end of March 2022 in Mali, about 10 km southwest of Sebkha el Melah and 245 km southeast of Taoudenni by Saharan meteorite hunters. The total mass recovered was about 17 kg. Bachir Salek acquired 12.5 kg, including the main mass of 3550 g. The meteorite is mainly composed of large intergrown enstatite crystals with a pegmatitic texture. Crystals measure several centimeters, many with clear cleavage. Some are milky white, while others are transparent and gem-like. The largest single crystal weighed 45 g and measured approximately 5 × 2 cm. Fusion crusts are present, mostly cream to white, although some are dark. The meteorite is intact. Classification Sebkha el Melah 001 is classified as an unbrecciated aubrite. It has one of the highest enstatite modal abundances ever recorded in aubrites. The enstatite, diopside, and forsterite in this meteorite show extremely low iron content, below the detection limit of major elements by electron microprobe.