description Esquel Overview
Esquel is a main-group pallasite meteorite found in Chubut Province, Argentina. The recovered mass weighed approximately 755 kilograms and consists of translucent olivine crystals embedded in an iron-nickel matrix. Its unusually large, clear crystals make polished slices visually distinctive, while its mixture of silicate and metal provides researchers with material relevant to the differentiation of early planetary bodies.
insights Ranking position
Esquel ranks #30 of 213 in the Meteorite ranking, behind Norton County, ahead of Renazzo.
help Esquel FAQ
What are the transparent crystals inside the Esquel meteorite?
They are olivine crystals, the gem-quality form of which is known as peridot. In polished slices, the yellow-green crystals sit within a reflective iron-nickel metal framework.
Why is Esquel classified as a pallasite?
Pallasites are stony-iron meteorites composed primarily of olivine embedded in metal. Esquel's unusually large, clear crystals make it one of the most visually distinctive members of that class.
Where was the Esquel meteorite found?
The single mass was found near Esquel in Argentina's Chubut Province in Patagonia. It weighed approximately 755 kilograms before being cut and distributed.
How does Esquel differ from the Campo del Cielo meteorite?
Esquel is a pallasite containing abundant olivine crystals, whereas Campo del Cielo is dominated by iron-nickel metal. Both come from Argentina, but they represent different meteorites and very different parent-body materials.
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