description Ibitira Overview
Ibitira is a basaltic achondrite meteorite that fell near Martinho Campos in Minas Gerais, Brazil, in 1957. It was historically compared with eucrites because its mineralogy and basaltic texture indicate formation from differentiated planetary material. Its oxygen-isotope composition differs from that of typical HED meteorites linked to Vesta, however, so it is classified as an ungrouped achondrite representing a distinct parent body.
help Ibitira FAQ
What kind of meteorite is Ibitira?
Ibitira is a basaltic achondrite meteorite, which means it is a stony meteorite that formed from cooled lava on a differentiated parent body. It was initially classified as a eucrite because of its similar mineral makeup and basaltic texture.
When and where did the Ibitira meteorite fall?
The meteorite fell in 1957 near the town of Martinho Campos in the Minas Gerais state of Brazil. Several stones were recovered shortly after the observed fall.
Why is Ibitira no longer considered a normal eucrite?
Ibitira has a distinct oxygen-isotope composition that separates it from the normal HED clan of meteorites originating from the asteroid Vesta. It also contains unusual vesicular cavities, leading researchers to consider it ungrouped or from a different parent body entirely.
What does the texture of the Ibitira meteorite tell us?
Its basaltic texture indicates that Ibitira was once molten lava that cooled on the surface of an ancient asteroid or planetary body. This process is very similar to how basaltic lava cools on the surface of the Earth or the Moon.
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