‘Rare, unique’: Diyodar meteorite in 2022 was India’s first aubrite in 170 years

Source: The post is based on the article “Rare, unique: Diyodar meteorite in 2022 was India’s first aubrite in 170 years” published in Indian Express on 14th February 2023.

What is the News?

In 2022, a meteorite fell over two villages in Banaskantha, Gujarat. Analysis of the meteorite has revealed it to be a “rare, unique specimen” of aubrite. Hence, it has been named as Diyodar meteorite.

Note: India has been the site of hundreds of meteorite crashes but this is only the 2nd recorded aubrite crash. The past was in 1852 in Basti, Uttar Pradesh.

What is Aubrite?

Aubrite meteorites are coarse-grained igneous rocks that are formed in oxygen-poor conditions. They contain a variety of exotic minerals that are not found on Earth.

Source of origin: Scientists are not yet sure of their origin, but some signs indicate that they could be from the asteroid 3103 Eger or from the planet Mercury.

Composition: The recently found aubrite meteorite in Gujarat was composed of ortho pyroxene.

What are Pyroxenes?

Pyroxenes are silicates consisting of single chains of silica tetrahedra(SiO 4)

Pyroxenes such as diopside and jadeite have been used as gems.

Spodumene was historically used as lithium ore and rocks with pyroxene have also been used to make a crushed stone that is used in construction.