Acapulcoite
Group of the primitive achondrite class of meteorites
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Acapulcoites are a group of the primitive achondrite class of stony meteorites.
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| Acapulcoite | |
|---|---|
| — Group — | |
NWA 2989, an example of an acapulcoite meteorite | |
| Type | Achondrite |
| Structural classification | ? |
| Class | Primitive achondrite |
| Subgroups |
|
| Parent body | Unknown |
| Composition | Olivine, orthopyroxene, plagioclase, meteoric iron, troilite |
| Total known specimens | Fifty two |
| Alternative names | Acapulcoites, Acapulcoite group, Acapulcoite meteorites |
Naming and history
The acapulcoites are named after the only specimen of the group that was a witnessed fall. The Acapulco meteorite fell on 11 August 1976 at 11:00 near El Quemado Colony (16.883°N 99.9°W), outside Acapulco, Guerrero, Mexico. The stone was retrieved 15 minutes afterwards from a 30 centimetres (12 in) deep crater and was cool to the touch.[1] It had a mass of 1,914 grams (67.5 oz). Following that discovery, more than 90 meteorite specimens have been classified as acapulcoites.[2]
Chemical composition
Acapulcoites are primarily composed of olivine, orthopyroxene, plagioclase, meteoric iron, and troilite.
Like all primitive achondrites, acapulcoites have chemical composition and mineralogical similarities with chondrites,[3] and some specimens even show relict chondrules. Their mineral composition lies between H and E chondrites.[3]