Kainsaz meteorite

Kainsaz
TypeChondrite
ClassCarbonaceous chondrite
ClanCM-CO
GroupCO3.2
Subgroup3
Shock stage2
CountryRussia
RegionKainsaz, Muslyumovo, Tatarstan
Coordinates55°26′N 53°15′E / 55.433°N 53.250°E / 55.433; 53.250
Observed fallYes
Fall date1937-09-13
TKW200 kilograms (440 lb)
Strewn fieldYes
This partial slice has fusion crust along 2 edges and weighs 4.04 grams (0.143 oz).
Related media on Wikimedia Commons

Fifteen pieces of the Kainsaz meteorite were seen to fall near Kainsaz, Muslyumovo, Tatarstan on September 13, 1937.[1] The largest weighed 102.5 kilograms (226 lb), the total weight was ~200 kilograms (440 lb).[2][3] As of January 2013 pieces were on sale for ~US$100/g.[2] Kainsaz is the only observed fall in Tatarstan.[3]

History

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A fireball was observed which left a dust train and broke into fragments during flight in a series of detonations that were heard up to 130 kilometres (81 mi) away.[1] The strewn field of 40 by 7 kilometres (24.9 mi × 4.3 mi) was oriented SE-NW with the largest stone falling at the NW end,[1] the smallest (the size of a nut) near the village of Kosteevo at the SE end.[1]

Mineralogy

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Most of the chondrules (90 %) are either droplet (39 %) or lithic (61 %). The remaining 10 % are barred olivine, radial pyroxene, cryptocrystalline, glassy, sulfide-metal, micro-poikilitic and complex chondrules.[4]

Classification

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Kainsaz is classified as a CO3.2. This stands for CO group, petrologic type = 3, and subtype = 2. The group is part of the CM-CO clan and a member of the carbonaceous chondrites.[3]

See also

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References

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  1. ^ a b c d Millman, P. M. (Oct–Dec 1938). "News from the Soviet Union Concerning Meteoric Research". Journal of the Royal Astronomical Society of Canada. 33: 51. Retrieved 11 January 2013.
  2. ^ a b "Kainsaz CO3.2 Carbonaceous Chondrite Meteorites for Sale". The Meteorite Market. Retrieved 11 January 2013.
  3. ^ a b c "Kainsaz". Meteoritical Bulletin Database. Meteoritical Society. Retrieved 11 January 2013.
  4. ^ Stakheeva, S. A. "Chondrules in the Kainsaz CO chondrite" (PDF). Retrieved 12 January 2013.