Toluca (meteorite)

Toluca
500g Toluca slice
TypeIron
Structural classificationCoarse Octahedrite
GroupIAB-sLL
Composition90.5% Fe; 8.1% Ni
CountryMexico
RegionToluca Valley, Jiquipilco, Mexico State
Coordinates19°27′N 99°35′W / 19.450°N 99.583°W / 19.450; -99.583[1]
Observed fallNo
Fall date>10,000 years ago
Found dateabout 1776
TKW3 tonnes
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Toluca is a group of iron meteorites found in Jiquipilco, Mexico near Toluca.[1]

History

The meteorites probably crashed into Earth more than 10,000 years ago.[2] For centuries, Mexican people living near the meteorites used them as a source of metal for various tools. They were first described by conquistadores in about 1776.[1]

The total known mass is about 3 tonnes.[3]

Composition and classification

These iron meteorites are a coarse octahedrite, chemical type IAB-sLL.[3] The mean composition is 90.5% Fe and 8.1% Ni.[1] They often contain large troilite inclusions.

See also

References

  1. ^ a b c d Vagn Fabritius Buchwald (1975). "Handbook of Iron Meteorites".
  2. ^ Vagn Fabritius Buchwald (2005). Iron and Steel in Ancient Times. ISBN 978-87-7304-308-0.
  3. ^ a b Meteoritical Bulletin Database: Toluca