Mbozi | |
---|---|
Type | Iron |
Group | Ungrouped [1] |
Composition | Meteoric iron (8 % Ni), Silicate inclusions |
Country | Tanzania |
Region | Songwe |
Coordinates | 9°07′S 33°04′E / 9.117°S 33.067°E [1] |
Observed fall | No |
Found date | 1930 |
TKW | 16 metric tons (16 long tons; 18 short tons) [1] |
Alternative names | Kimwondo (local name), Mbosi (alternative spelling) |
Related media on Wikimedia Commons |
Mbozi is an ungrouped iron meteorite found in Tanzania. It is one of the world's largest meteorites, variously estimated as the fourth-largest to the eighth-largest, it is located near the city of Mbeya in Tanzania's southern highlands. The meteorite is 3 metres (9.8 ft) long, 1 metre (3 ft 3 in) high, and weighs an estimated 16 metric tons (16 long tons; 18 short tons). [1]
Mbozi has been long known to locals, who call it kimondo, yet became known to outsiders only in the 1930s. It is named after Mbozi District, in Mbeya ( Tanzania). When it was discovered by scientists in 1930 it didn't have a crater. [2]
Mbozi consists of meteoric iron with small silicate inclusions. The meteoric iron has a nickel concentration of 8% and shows Widmanstätten pattern. The Germanium- Gallium ratio is larger than 10, which can also be seen in meteorites of the IIF iron meteorite group and the Eagle station pallasites. [3]
The silicate inclusions have a core and mantle structure in thin section. The mantle is made from glass, that partially devitrified into pyroxene and plagioclase. The core consists of quartz. [3]
Currently classified as an ungrouped iron meteorite Mbozi shows similarities with IIF iron meteorites, the Eagle station pallasites and a few other ungrouped iron meteorite (e.g. Bocaiuva meteorite). [1] [3]