Sahara 03501 (Igaren)
Sahara 03501 was discovered in the Sahara
Desert in Northwest Africa during January, 2003. Apparently the
name "Igaren" was given to this meteorite by the local people.
The meteorite was found in the form of a large 4067g broken
individual with thick, black, contraction cracked fusion crust
which partially covered the stone. Deep regmaglypts were also
present in the fusion crusted areas.
Sahara 03501 has been classified as an
Ordinary Chondrite; H4 with a Shock Rating of S3 and a very low
Weathering Level of W1. This meteorite is quiet distinctive with
it's pale interior contrasted by the rich black fusion crust.
There are numerous well defined chondrules some of which are
good examples of
Bleached Chondrules.
This slice also has clearly defined metal
veins running through it which are visible in the photographs
below. It appears that where the veins are present there is also
a reduced amount of metallic flecks/grains as seen in other
parts of the stone. For example, in the fourth image below there
are more metallic grains located at right of the slice than in
the matrix surrounding the veins. It may be possible that the
metal was drawn into the veins during a shock event. One of
these veins also contains what appears to be a shocked chondrule
or part thereof. The last photos on this page show this black
chondrule/inclusion held within the vein. The specimen below is
a Complete Slice of the 4067g broken individual and is part of
the Meteorites Australia Collection (MA.07.0002).
Sahara 03501 / "Igaren" (H4) - 140.3g Complete Slice.
Sahara 03501 / "Igaren" (H4) - 140.3g Complete Slice.
Sahara 03501 / "Igaren" (H4) - 140.3g Complete Slice.
Sahara 03501 / "Igaren" (H4) - 140.3g Complete Slice
showing metallic veins.
Sahara 03501 / "Igaren" (H4) - 140.3g Complete Slice
showing thick fusion crust.
Sahara 03501 / "Igaren" (H4) - 140.3g Complete Slice
showing chondrule in vein.
Sahara 03501 / "Igaren" (H4) - 140.3g Complete Slice
showing chondrule in vein.
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